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Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life: A Glimpse into Gyumri's Soul

Step back in time at Gyumri's Museum of National Architecture, exploring the city's vibrant history and unique architectural heritage.

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Housed in a stunning 19th-century mansion, the Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life in Gyumri offers a captivating journey through the city's rich history and architectural evolution. Explore meticulously recreated interiors, traditional crafts, and historical exhibits that showcase Gyumri's unique cultural identity from the 1850s to the 1920s.

A brief summary to Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life

  • Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-5 pm
  • Friday 11 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's opening hours in advance, as they may vary.
  • Allow at least 1.5-2 hours to fully explore the museum's exhibits.
  • The museum is located in the Kumayri historic district, so take some time to wander through the charming streets and admire the traditional architecture.
  • Consider hiring a local guide to enhance your understanding of the museum's collection and Gyumri's history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life is located at 47 Haghtanaki Avenue in Gyumri. From the central Vardanants Square, walk east along Vardanants Street, then turn right onto Haghtanaki Avenue. The museum will be on your left, approximately a 10-15 minute walk. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    From the Gyumri Railway Station or the Avtokayaran (bus station), take a minibus (marshrutka) heading towards the city center. Ask the driver to let you off near Haghtanaki Avenue. From there, it's a short walk to the museum. A single ride on public transport costs 100 AMD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Gyumri. A short taxi ride from the Gyumri Railway Station or Vardanants Square to the museum will typically cost around 500-600 AMD. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Taxi fares generally start at 500 AMD, with an additional 100 AMD per kilometer.

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Discover more about Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life

The Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life, also known as the Dzitoghtsyan House-Museum, is located in a remarkable mansion built in 1872 by the wealthy merchant Petros Dzitoghtsyan. The four Dzitoghtsyan brothers migrated from the village of Dzitogh in Western Armenia to Alexandrapol (now Gyumri) and made their fortune here. The house itself is a testament to Gyumri's architectural heritage, constructed from the distinctive red tuff stone of the Shirak region. The architect cleverly designed the house on a splay, with one floor in the eastern part and two floors in the western part. Remarkably, the building withstood the devastating earthquakes of 1926 and 1988. Inside, the museum presents a fascinating glimpse into the daily life, culture, and architectural characteristics of Gyumri from the 1850s to the 1920s. The exhibits showcase the crafts, public life, and cultural traditions of Alexandrapol during this period. You'll find meticulously staged apartments of both craftsmen and wealthy residents, providing a vivid sense of the era. The museum's collection includes over 2,000 exhibits, with a significant portion on permanent display. In the eastern part of the museum, you can explore plans, models, costumes, craft tools, and samples representing various trades practiced in Alexandropol, including blacksmithing, tinsmithing, foundry work, carpentry, tailoring, shoemaking, embroidery, weaving, jewelry making, and coppersmithing. The western section focuses on the spiritual and cultural life of the city, with restored interiors of apartments belonging to the middle and upper classes. A highlight is the 1910s model of the city, featuring its seven churches, notable streets, and buildings. The museum also displays photographs of famous visitors, including Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan.

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