In Downtown Glendale, the Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California has reached another milestone: installation of its central skylight.

According to an announcement by the museum, the Hazarashen Skylight sits at the top of the building's core, and will bring natural light into its main lobby for visitors.

View from Colorado StreetArmenian American Museum

“With the completion of the Hazarashen Skylight, we are one step closer to opening the doors of the Armenian American Museum to the public,” stated executive chairman Berdj Karapetian in a news release. “The skylight illuminates the Grand Lobby with natural light and symbolizes the spirit of welcome and belonging that will define the visitor experience at the museum.”

The name "hazarashen" refers to a traditional roof design commonly seen in homes in the Armenian Highlands. The word "hazar" translates to "a thousand," which is the number of wood pieces said to be used in the roof design.

Interior view of the Hazarashen SkylightArmenian American Museum

Construction will next move on to the building's facade, which is designed by Alajajian Marcoosi Architects to resemble the jagged rock formations seen in the Armenian Highlands. 

The 51,000-square-foot museum, when completed, will include permanent and temporary exhibition galleries on its upper level, while a lobby, an auditorium, offices, and other functions will make up the ground floor. Gallagher & Associates is leading the design team for the museum's permanent exhibition, which will focus on the Armenian Genocide.

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