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Matenadaran: A Citadel of Armenian Heritage

Explore Armenia's intellectual heritage at the Matenadaran, home to the world's largest collection of Armenian manuscripts in a stunning architectural setting.

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The Matenadaran, officially the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, stands as a testament to Armenia's rich cultural and intellectual history. Housing one of the world's largest collections of Armenian manuscripts, this museum and research institute in Yerevan showcases centuries of Armenian writing, literature, and art.

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

  • Visit from Tuesday to Saturday, as the museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
  • Consider joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the manuscripts.
  • On the last Saturday of each month, entrance is free for citizens of Armenia.
  • Advance booking is required for groups of more than 5 people.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Matenadaran is located at 53 Mesrop Mashtots Ave, near the end of the avenue. From the Yerevan Opera House (France Square), walk north along Mashtots Avenue for approximately 15-20 minutes. The museum will be on your left, at the foot of the Kanaker Upland.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus routes serve the Matenadaran. From Yeritasardakan Metro Station, take buses 10, 29 or 46. Alternatively, from the Opera House (France Square), buses 23 and 24 will take you to the Matenadaran. A single ride on the bus or metro costs AMD 100. Pay the driver in cash upon exiting the vehicle.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Yerevan. Use a ride-hailing app such as GG Taxi or Yandex Taxi to book a ride. A short taxi ride from the city center (e.g., Republic Square) to the Matenadaran will typically cost between AMD 600-1100. Ensure the driver uses the meter or negotiate the fare beforehand.

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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, Armenia, it holds the world's largest collection of Armenian manuscripts. The Matenadaran's collection has its roots in the Etchmiadzin collection, established in 1441 when the Armenian Catholicosate returned from Sis in Cilicia. The current building, designed by Mark Grigoryan, was completed in 1957, with a new building designed by Arthur Meschian added in 2011 to accommodate the growing collection. The basalt structure evokes traditional Armenian medieval architecture. Statues of Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet, and his disciple Koryun guard the entrance. Monuments to other significant Armenian cultural figures adorn the building's facade. Inside, visitors can explore the museum's exhibits, which showcase the history of Armenian writing, miniature painting, and scholarly pursuits. The collection includes manuscripts dating back to the 5th-6th centuries, including the Etchmiadzin Gospel with its ancient illustrations. The oldest complete manuscript is the Lazarus Gospel from 887. The Matenadaran also houses manuscripts in other languages, including Greek, Arabic, Persian, and Latin. Beyond its function as a museum, the Matenadaran is a leading research institute, studying Armenian writing, textology, and medieval book painting. The Matenadaran's collection was added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 1997.

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