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Matenadaran: A Treasury of Armenian Manuscripts

Explore Armenia's rich literary heritage at the Matenadaran, a world-renowned repository of ancient manuscripts and a symbol of national pride.

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The Matenadaran, officially the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, in Yerevan, Armenia, is one of the world's most significant repositories of ancient manuscripts and books. Housing a vast collection dating back to the 5th century, it serves as a museum, research institute, and a monument to Armenian culture and literacy.

A brief summary to Matenadaran

  • 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

Local tips

  • Consider visiting on the last Saturday of the month for free admission, but note that this is only for citizens of Armenia.
  • For group visits of more than 5 people, it is necessary to arrange the visit in advance by calling +37410 562 578.
  • Take your time to explore the outdoor exhibits, including ancient rock tombs and khachkars.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Matenadaran is located at the end of Mesrop Mashtots Avenue, making it easily accessible on foot from many central Yerevan locations. From Republic Square, walk north along Abovyan Street, then turn left onto Mesrop Mashtots Avenue. Continue up the avenue; the Matenadaran will be at the end, at the foot of the Kanaker Upland. The walk is uphill and takes approximately 20-30 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Yerevan's public transport system includes buses, minibuses, trolleybuses and a metro. Several bus routes run along Mesrop Mashtots Avenue. Check local transit apps or the Yerevan transport website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. A single ride on a bus or minibus costs 100 AMD. The metro is also an option; the nearest station is Barekamutyun, about a 15-20 minute walk from the Matenadaran. A metro ride also costs 100 AMD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Yerevan and are an affordable way to reach the Matenadaran. You can hail a taxi on the street or use ride-hailing apps like GG Taxi, Utaxi, or Yandex Taxi. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Matenadaran typically costs between 600 and 1100 AMD, depending on the distance and traffic. Be sure the driver uses the meter, or negotiate a fare beforehand.

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Discover more about Matenadaran

The Matenadaran, whose name translates to "manuscript store" or "library" in ancient Armenian, is a unique institution dedicated to the preservation and study of Armenian and foreign manuscripts. Its collection dates back to 405 AD, when Saint Mesrop Mashtots created the Armenian alphabet. The institute safeguards over 20,000 manuscripts, including approximately 14,500 in Armenian and 2,500 in other languages like Greek, Arabic, Persian, and Latin. The Matenadaran's collection encompasses a wide range of subjects, including history, geography, philosophy, science, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, church history, and law. These manuscripts are invaluable historical sources, with some preserving original texts otherwise lost to time. The institute also houses a collection of old printed books, showcasing intricate decorations and precious stones. The current building, designed by Mark Grigoryan, was constructed between 1945 and 1957. Statues of prominent Armenian figures adorn the main facade, including Movses Khorenatsi, Anania Shirakatsi, Mkhitar Gosh, Toros Roslin, Frik, and Grigor Tatevatsi. In front stands the sculpture of Mesrop Mashtots with his pupil Koryun. An open-air museum near the building displays ancient monuments from across Armenia, such as dragon stones and khachkars. A new building, designed by Arthur Meschyan, was added in 2011 to accommodate the growing collection. The Matenadaran is not only a repository but also a research center, conducting studies on Armenian writing, textology, paleography, and medieval book painting. It was registered in UNESCO's World Memory list in 1997 and is considered a crucial site for preserving and developing Armenian national memory.

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