Matenadaran: A Treasury of Armenian Heritage

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Explore Armenia's rich literary heritage at the Matenadaran, home to a vast collection of ancient manuscripts and a treasure trove of cultural history.

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Matenadaran

The Matenadaran, officially the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, stands as a testament to Armenia's rich cultural and intellectual history. Located in Yerevan, it houses one of the world's largest collections of Armenian manuscripts, offering a glimpse into the nation's past.

A brief summary to Matenadaran

53 Mesrop Mashtots Ave, Yerevan, Kentron, 0009, AM
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Tuesday 10 am-5:50 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5:50 pm
Thursday 10 am-5:50 pm
Friday 10 am-5:50 pm
Saturday 10 am-5:50 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Matenadaran.

Check the Matenadaran's opening hours in advance, as they may vary, especially on public holidays.
Consider joining a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the collection and its historical significance.
Photography is allowed, but there may be an additional fee.
Visit on the last Saturday of the month for free entry if you are a citizen of Armenia.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Yerevan Opera Theater, walk north along Mashtots Avenue for approximately 1.6 kilometers (1 mile). The Matenadaran is located at the end of the avenue, at the foot of the Kanaker Upland. The walk is mostly uphill and takes about 20 minutes. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

From France Square, near the Opera House, take bus number 10 towards Matenadaran. The bus will drop you off near the Matenadaran complex. The ride takes approximately 15 minutes, and a single fare costs 100 AMD. Alternatively, take the Yerevan Metro to 'Marshal Baghramyan' station, from there it is approximately a 10-minute walk to Matenadaran.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Yerevan. A taxi ride from the city center (e.g., Republic Square) to the Matenadaran typically takes 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is 1,000-1,500 AMD.

Discover more about Matenadaran

The Matenadaran, formally known as the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, is more than just a museum; it's a repository of Armenian identity and a beacon of scholarly research. Located on Mesrop Mashtots Avenue in Yerevan, the institute holds an unparalleled collection of ancient manuscripts and documents, reflecting Armenia's historical, cultural, and scientific achievements. The Matenadaran's roots trace back to the 5th century when Mesrop Mashtots created the Armenian alphabet, sparking a literary and intellectual revolution. The first manuscript repository was established in Vagharshapat, followed by another at Holy Etchmiadzin. Over the centuries, these collections grew, preserving invaluable works of Armenian historians, philosophers, scientists, and artists. The current building, designed by Yerevan's chief architect Mark Grigorian, was completed in 1957 and stands as a prominent landmark in the city. Statues of influential figures in Armenian culture, including Movses Khorenatsi, Anania Shirakatsi, and Mkhitar Gosh, grace the building's facade. The Matenadaran's collection includes approximately 23,000 manuscripts and scrolls, encompassing a wide range of subjects from history and geography to philosophy and medicine. The institute also houses thousands of documents in Armenian, Russian, Arabic, Persian, and other languages. Among the treasures are original texts preserved in Armenian translation, works with intricate designs made of gold, silver and ivory, and the largest Armenian book, 'Msho Charyntir'. Today, the Matenadaran serves as a research center and museum, welcoming visitors from around the globe to explore Armenia's rich literary heritage. It stands as a symbol of national pride, preserving the legacy of Armenian culture for generations to come.