NEW YORK, July 31, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hermitage
Museum Foundation (USA) announced
that Torkom Demirjian, one of the
world's leading authorities on ancient art and antiquities and
founder of the Ariadne Galleries in New
York and London, has
assumed the role of Chairman of the Board of the Hermitage Museum
Foundation (HMF) in the United
States. Mr. Demirjian succeeds former Chairman
Paul Rodzianko, who stepped down in
March after seven years of service heading the
Foundation.
HMF President Peter Schaffer
said, "We are thrilled that Torkom
Demirjian has agreed to lead the foundation. He is a
globally distinguished expert and philanthropist who has already
made important donations to the Hermitage Museum and a longstanding
board member." Mr. Schaffer added, "The Foundation is
fortunate to enter a new phase with a recognized leader in the
museum and gallery world at its helm."
Commented Hermitage Museum Foundation Chairman Torkom Demirjian, "I assume the chairman's role
with optimism and a strong belief that helping such a great
institution in Russia can only
have a beneficial effect on the relationship between our
countries. The Hermitage Museum, often under very difficult
circumstances and in a heroic fashion, has maintained a vital role
in global cultural preservation in addition to its mandate of
educating and enlightening the public." He added, "The
American philanthropic community has generously supported Russian
cultural institutions in the past. I have great faith that
the American tradition of voluntarism will benefit the Hermitage
Museum as it has so many museums and cultural institutions
throughout the world."
About Torkom
Demirjian
Torkom
Demirjian is founder and chairman of the family run
Ariadne Galleries in New York and
London specializing in the art of
the ancient civilizations of Egypt, the Near East, Greece, Rome,
Asia, as well as early medieval
Europe.
Mr. Demirjian is a graduate of the Pratt Art Institute in New
York. His childhood passion for history and art led to his
love of antiquities. A self-taught specialist and art dealer
since 1972, he is highly regarded by colleagues around the world
for his expertise, sense of history, astute aesthetic judgment, and
business acumen. Mr. Demirjian believes strongly in the vital
role museums play in the preservation of cultural heritage.
Mr. Demirjian has contributed to leading museum, university and
legal panels, conferences and publications, globally. He has
been widely interviewed in the media and on television, including
on CBS' 60 Minutes. He has always sought to increase
interest in and knowledge of ancient cultures among collectors and
the public and has encouraged contributions to museums by his own
example. During the last four decades, he has donated both
important collections and individual works of art to major
museums around the world including the Hermitage Museum, the Israel
Museum, among others.
About the Hermitage Museum Foundation
The Hermitage
Museum Foundation (USA), Inc. is a
501(c) (3) corporation that contributes to the preservation and
promotion of the rich cultural heritage of the Hermitage Museum in
St. Petersburg, Russia. www.hermitagemuseumfoundation.org
Contact: Hermitage Museum Foundation:
info@hermitagemuseumfoundation.org
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SOURCE The Hermitage Museum Foundation (USA)