Toumanian’s dining room

Toumanian was found of parties. They say he was an “amazing combination” of fun and genius. “His party was business” – his daughter recalls. The magnificent and tastefully laid out giant table in the dining room for 12 people – ten children and Mr. and Mrs. Toumanian, with luxurious porcelain tableware - tells a lot about Toumanian.

The poet was guided by an English proverb. “I'm not rich enough to buy cheap stuff.” The chairs around the large table are identical except for one. It was the host's chair – at the head of the table. He gave up his chair only to his closest friend Ghazaros Aghayan. Toumanians’ house was always full of guests, he organized parties very often. Toumanian's incomparable toasts and speeches, as well as his singing, remain in the memories of contemporaries. In addition to the titles of “All Armenians Poet” and “Father of All Armenian Orphans”, the title of “All Armenians Toastmaster” was added.

Next to the prominent guests his children sat and the poet used to tell them “Sit and listen to my guest, read the books of my library, let our house to be a university for you”. From time to time, he posted sayings on the walls for children’s education.

There is a white freezer in the room; with the help of dry ice they kept food in it.