Belfry and the eagles The museum was the last work of Rafael Israelyan (1908-1973), a great Soviet architect The best qualities of his creative work seem to have been synthesized in this project: outstanding innovations in continuation of the traditions of Armenian architecture, a unique handling of imagery, optimism, a refined culture and a rich plasticity of details. In the almost dense volume of the building one can discern an unusual inner structure. Simultaneously the structure does not bring to mind any specific historical associations. One does not recall anything that relates it to the familiar functional type of buildings. On entering the main portal, located in the centre, one is immediately struck by the bright sun-lit interior of this enormous solid rectangle. Journal of Arts & Ideas 83