On June 6, the official opening of the "Oda" cultural room took place at 11 Tigran Mets avenue in Gyumri. The official opening was attended by Frank Hess, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Madeleine Rauschenberger, country director of GIZ in Armenia, and a number of other honored guests.

The purpose of "Oda" is to connect the past, present and future. In the past, "Oda" was a house-gathering place, where people gathered for storytelling, discussions and singing songs. Very often it is thanks to the Odas that the oral culture has been preserved and reached us. "Oda" had a cultural preservation function.

"Oda" founder Hrach Vardanyan noted: "Newly opened "Oda" is a socio-cultural initiative. There will be many cultural thematic days dedicated to music, art, poetry. "Oda" will give new life to old traditions. It also aims to contribute to the development of tourism in Gyumri, because cultural tourism today is becoming very popular in the world."

The creation of "Oda" was supported by the EU4Business "Innovative Tourism and Technology Development for Armenia" project, which is co-funded by the European Union and the Federal Republic of Germany and implemented by the GIZ.

Frank Hess, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Armenia noted; “The support to the ODA cultural room once again proves the commitment of the European Union to the promotion of cultural exchange and the preservation of the diverse heritage of countries, supporting the development of cultural tourism. I hope that the ODA will become a place for inspiration and a place where tradition and innovation coexist in harmony.”

Madeleine Rauschenberger, Country Director of GIZ in Armenia mentioned; “Oda cultural room is a great example of local small business development, which we are happy to support through our projects. Reviving the ancient Armenian ODA, a place for cultural gatherings, is a wonderful way to celebrate cultural heritage and provide local visitors and tourists with a unique and authentic experience.”

Austrian cultural manager and artist Elisabeth Handl, German photographer Ralf Becker and many other artists from abroad and Armenia also supported the creation of "Oda" with their ideas and experience.