THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE ORPHANS
“ARAM BEZIKIAN” MUSEUM

The Armenian Genocide Orphans “Aram Bezikian” Museum, located in the vicinity of the “Bird’s Nest” Orphanage, was founded in commemoration of the centenary of the Armenian Genocide. It serves not only as a monument honoring the memory of the orphans who once lived there but also as a profound tribute to Maria Jacobsen. The museum stands as a daily reminder, rekindling collective memory, emphasizing human social values, principles, tolerance, and cooperation while advocating for the rights and dignity of people.

This museum, which was realized within the scope of the Armenian Genocide centenary commemorative events of the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia, was possible through the generous sponsorship of the Bezikian family.

The museum comprises three distinct exhibits. The initial exhibit unfolds the narrative of the Armenian population in the Ottoman Empire on the brink of the First World War, spotlighting the genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Turkish government in 1915. The second exhibit vividly portrays the pivotal role played by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Western missionaries in resettling surviving orphans in the Middle East, notably in Lebanon. The third exhibit captures the journey of rehabilitation and settlement as the orphans start habituating to their new home in Lebanon. A poignant segment within this exhibit pays homage to Maria Jacobsen, “Mama,” who dedicated her entire life to the well-being of thousands of orphans in the “Birds’ Nest.

The museum is open every Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Visitors can immerse themselves in the museum’s details during an average visit of one and a half hours.

The entrance fee is 5 USD for adults and 3 USD for adolescents, students, and groups. It is recommended that children under 12 years of age be accompanied by their guardians.

Deputy Director: V. Rev. Fr. Hovagim Panjarjian

Secretary: Deacon Krikor Alozian