Background

Matenadaran: A Treasury of Armenian Manuscripts

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

4.7

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

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

  • Check the Matenadaran's opening hours in advance, as they may vary.
  • Consider visiting on the last Saturday of the month for free admission if you are a citizen of Armenia.
  • Allow ample time to explore the museum's extensive collection of manuscripts and exhibits.
  • Join a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the manuscripts.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Yerevan Opera Theater (France Square), walk north along Mashtots Avenue for approximately 1 km. The Matenadaran will be on your left, at the end of the avenue, at the foot of the Kanaker Upland. The walk is moderately uphill.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Yerevan Metro to Marshal Baghramyan station. From there, walk north along Mashtots Avenue for about 10 minutes to reach the Matenadaran. Alternatively, several buses and minibuses travel along Mashtots Avenue. Check local route information for the most efficient journey. A single ride on the bus or metro costs 100 AMD. As of January 1, 2025, a daily travel pass costs 880-900 AMD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Yerevan. Use a ride-hailing app like GG Taxi or Yandex Taxi for reliable service. A taxi ride from the city center to the Matenadaran typically costs between 600-700 AMD. The starting price is 600 AMD, and each kilometer is priced at 100 AMD. Be sure to have cash, as taxis often do not accept card payments.

Unlock the Best of Matenadaran

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Matenadaran

The Matenadaran, whose name translates to “manuscript store” or “library” in ancient Armenian, stands as a testament to Armenia's rich cultural and intellectual heritage. Officially known as the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, this Yerevan landmark is home to an extraordinary collection of ancient manuscripts, documents, and books. Its origins trace back to the 5th century when St. Mesrop Mashtots created the Armenian alphabet. The collection includes over 23,000 manuscripts, encompassing 14,500 Armenian manuscripts and 2,500 in other languages like Arabic, Greek, Persian, and more. These invaluable historical sources cover a wide array of subjects, including history, geography, philosophy, science, medicine, and theology. The Matenadaran also houses a collection of old printed books, some adorned with precious stones. The institute's main building, designed by Mark Grigoryan, is an architectural landmark in itself, evoking the spirit of medieval Armenia. Statues of prominent Armenian figures like Mesrop Mashtots, his pupil Koryun, Movses Khorenatsi, and others grace the exterior. Inside, visitors can view exhibits showcasing the evolution of Armenian writing, medieval science, and art. The Matenadaran not only preserves these ancient texts but also actively engages in research, restoration, and publication. It is a major center for the study of Armenian writing, textology, paleography, and related fields. Recognized by UNESCO as a vital site for preserving national memory, the Matenadaran stands as a source of pride for Armenians worldwide.

Popular Experiences near Matenadaran

Popular Hotels near Matenadaran

Select Currency