PHILADELPHIA — More than 1,000 people gathered on April 25 for the dedication of the Armenian Heritage Walk at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, a 15,000-square-foot cultural landmark honoring Armenian heritage, survival and contribution to America. The project’s first phase features a winding walkway, native gardens, more than 60 boulders brought from Armenia, and the restored 22-foot bronze statue of Young Meher, originally unveiled in 1976 during America’s bicentennial.
The dedication took place during the 111th anniversary weekend of the Armenian Genocide and ahead of America’s 250th anniversary. The weekend began April 24 with an intercommunal remembrance service at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, where Armenian clergy, altar servers and choir members from Philadelphia-area churches honored the martyrs of the Genocide and presented a khatchkar to the Catholic church.
At the dedication, clergy, community leaders, public officials and volunteers praised the unity that made the project possible. Yeretzgin Arpy Minasian, who chaired the dedication committee, described the walk as “more than a collection” and “a covenant,” saying every detail declares: “We are still here.” Speakers also connected the site to Armenian faith, resilience, and the memory of Artsakh.
Foundation leaders traced the project’s roots to the original Young Meher statue effort led by the Knights of Vartan in 1976, and credited years of work by the Armenian Heritage Foundation of Philadelphia, donors, volunteers, architect Simon Koumjian III, landscape designer Ned Moore, and builder David Hoplamazian.
The ceremony included Armenian music, youth performances, a ribbon cutting, a flag procession and the laying of white carnations near the statue. The weekend concluded with a gala at the National Constitution Center honoring distinguished Armenian Americans, including Michael Aram, Dr. James Philip Bagian, Mark Hoplamazian, Edele Hovnanian, Major Gen. Stephen J. Maranian, Katherine Sarafian and Peter Vosbikian.
Future phases of the Armenian Heritage Walk will add works by Armenian artists focused on language, faith, history and tradition, further establishing the site as a lasting public tribute to Armenian American life.
