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“La Bohème”: Statue of Charles Aznavour unveils in Yerevan
A statue honoring the great chansonnier Charles Aznavour was officially unveiled on Charles Aznavour Square in Yerevan. “La Bohème”, the statue captures Aznavour’s iconic stage presence during performances of the beloved song. It evokes the powerful moment when, to thunderous applause, he would end the song by dramatically tossing his signature handkerchief into the crowd—a gesture that became one of his most memorable trademarks. The author of the statue is sculptor David Minasyan.
The event was attended by the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, Zhanna Andreasyan; Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan; Deputy Minister Daniel Danielyan; members of Charles Aznavour's family; ambassadors accredited to the Republic of Armenia; delegates from the Paris and Île-de-France regional councils; representatives of state structures; artists; fans of Aznavour's art; and guests of Yerevan.
Welcoming the attendees, Minister Zhanna Andreasyan noted that love is the main emotion characterizing Aznavour's life and art. "Any episode, situation, work, music and line is filled with love. We get another opportunity to materialize and embody that love here, in the square named after Aznavour, which is first and foremost a cultural square surrounded by buildings such as a cinema, theater, and the Artists' Union. It is natural that naming this square after Aznavour and having a statue of Aznavour here are very harmonious. Just as culture unites people, so Aznavour continues to unite us with his work, and this is perhaps the greatest appreciation. Our attitude towards Aznavour is very unique: he is close to each of us in his way. Millions of people rarely feel a kinship towards someone they may have never met in their lives. A sense of kinship forms a special attitude towards both Aznavour and his statue. Each of us has our image and perception of Aznavour because we have fallen in love with, rejoiced in, and grieved through his songs, experiencing different situations in our lives. I am sure that the statue will also generate interesting discussions from this perspective. Aznavour could perhaps have been portrayed in different ways, but he was depicted exactly as he is. Therefore, it is very important to facilitate discussion in the cultural field, to encourage professional observations, and to create an opportunity to talk about art. On the occasion of Aznavour's centenary, the government formed a jubilee committee; a number of events were held together with his family. I hope that by unveiling the statue, we will also be able to express our appreciation, devotion, and love for the great artist and the great man," noted Minister Zhanna Andreasyan and thanked the Yerevan Municipality for implementing this important initiative.
“Today, in Charles Aznavour Square, we are unveiling a statue that honors not only the memory of a great artist but also the Armenian people’s contribution to global cultural heritage. With over a thousand songs, numerous films, and concerts in more than 90 countries, he was a man whose name required no translation or extensive introduction, simply because he was Aznavour. His art, even today, needs no explanation or translation. This place will surely become a site of encounter and remembrance, both for the people of Yerevan and for the thousands of visitors from around the world—a place where one can once again meet the legendary Charles Aznavour,” said Mayor Tigran Avinyan during the statue’s official unveiling ceremony.
In his speech, Nicolas Aznavour, Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Aznavour Foundation, stated: “My father loved Armenia deeply—not only in words, but through his actions. He carried Armenia in his heart wherever he went. He believed in the strength, cultural richness, and future of this country. That’s why he encouraged us to come here—to carry on his mission and bring his dreams to life. This statue belongs to the Armenian people, and to all those around the world who have loved and continue to love Charles Aznavour. On behalf of the Aznavour Foundation, I sincerely thank you for honoring him in such a symbolic and powerful way.”
Ambassador of France to Armenia, Olivier Decottignies, welcoming the attendees, noted that the statue of Charles Aznavour, installed in the heart of Yerevan, merges the identities of the great artist: France and Armenia.
“Charles Aznavour always liked to remind us that he is 100% Armenian and 100% French. We pay tribute to him and honor him in the capitals of both France and Armenia. In Yerevan, where Aznavour's songs are often heard, all of that will be flavored and complemented by his constant presence through the statue," the ambassador noted and thanked Charles Aznavour for remaining faithful to the phenomenon.
David Minasyan, the author of the "La Bohème" statue, told the story of the one and a half year long creation of the statue, thanking all those who supported the work. "I am especially grateful to Charles Aznavour for allowing me to be friends with him for a year and a half," said David Minasyan, speaking about the creative idea.
Photo credit: Charles Aznavour Foundation
The event was attended by the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, Zhanna Andreasyan; Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan; Deputy Minister Daniel Danielyan; members of Charles Aznavour's family; ambassadors accredited to the Republic of Armenia; delegates from the Paris and Île-de-France regional councils; representatives of state structures; artists; fans of Aznavour's art; and guests of Yerevan.
Welcoming the attendees, Minister Zhanna Andreasyan noted that love is the main emotion characterizing Aznavour's life and art. "Any episode, situation, work, music and line is filled with love. We get another opportunity to materialize and embody that love here, in the square named after Aznavour, which is first and foremost a cultural square surrounded by buildings such as a cinema, theater, and the Artists' Union. It is natural that naming this square after Aznavour and having a statue of Aznavour here are very harmonious. Just as culture unites people, so Aznavour continues to unite us with his work, and this is perhaps the greatest appreciation. Our attitude towards Aznavour is very unique: he is close to each of us in his way. Millions of people rarely feel a kinship towards someone they may have never met in their lives. A sense of kinship forms a special attitude towards both Aznavour and his statue. Each of us has our image and perception of Aznavour because we have fallen in love with, rejoiced in, and grieved through his songs, experiencing different situations in our lives. I am sure that the statue will also generate interesting discussions from this perspective. Aznavour could perhaps have been portrayed in different ways, but he was depicted exactly as he is. Therefore, it is very important to facilitate discussion in the cultural field, to encourage professional observations, and to create an opportunity to talk about art. On the occasion of Aznavour's centenary, the government formed a jubilee committee; a number of events were held together with his family. I hope that by unveiling the statue, we will also be able to express our appreciation, devotion, and love for the great artist and the great man," noted Minister Zhanna Andreasyan and thanked the Yerevan Municipality for implementing this important initiative.
“Today, in Charles Aznavour Square, we are unveiling a statue that honors not only the memory of a great artist but also the Armenian people’s contribution to global cultural heritage. With over a thousand songs, numerous films, and concerts in more than 90 countries, he was a man whose name required no translation or extensive introduction, simply because he was Aznavour. His art, even today, needs no explanation or translation. This place will surely become a site of encounter and remembrance, both for the people of Yerevan and for the thousands of visitors from around the world—a place where one can once again meet the legendary Charles Aznavour,” said Mayor Tigran Avinyan during the statue’s official unveiling ceremony.
In his speech, Nicolas Aznavour, Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Aznavour Foundation, stated: “My father loved Armenia deeply—not only in words, but through his actions. He carried Armenia in his heart wherever he went. He believed in the strength, cultural richness, and future of this country. That’s why he encouraged us to come here—to carry on his mission and bring his dreams to life. This statue belongs to the Armenian people, and to all those around the world who have loved and continue to love Charles Aznavour. On behalf of the Aznavour Foundation, I sincerely thank you for honoring him in such a symbolic and powerful way.”
Ambassador of France to Armenia, Olivier Decottignies, welcoming the attendees, noted that the statue of Charles Aznavour, installed in the heart of Yerevan, merges the identities of the great artist: France and Armenia.
“Charles Aznavour always liked to remind us that he is 100% Armenian and 100% French. We pay tribute to him and honor him in the capitals of both France and Armenia. In Yerevan, where Aznavour's songs are often heard, all of that will be flavored and complemented by his constant presence through the statue," the ambassador noted and thanked Charles Aznavour for remaining faithful to the phenomenon.
David Minasyan, the author of the "La Bohème" statue, told the story of the one and a half year long creation of the statue, thanking all those who supported the work. "I am especially grateful to Charles Aznavour for allowing me to be friends with him for a year and a half," said David Minasyan, speaking about the creative idea.
Photo credit: Charles Aznavour Foundation