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Matenadaran: A Treasury of Armenian Heritage

Explore Armenia's intellectual heritage at the Matenadaran, a world-renowned repository of ancient manuscripts and a vibrant research institute.

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The Matenadaran, officially the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, in Yerevan, Armenia, is a repository of ancient manuscripts and a research institute. It holds one of the world's richest collections of Armenian manuscripts.

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

  • Photography inside the museum may require permission, so it's best to check with the staff upon arrival.
  • Consider joining a guided tour to fully appreciate the significance of the manuscripts and exhibits.
  • Visit on the last Saturday of the month for free entry if you are a citizen of Armenia.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Matenadaran is accessible via public transport from various points in Yerevan. From France Square (Opera House) or Yeritasardakan metro station, it's approximately a 10-minute walk. Alternatively, take bus number 47 from France Square or Pak Shuka. A single ride on public transport typically costs 100 AMD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Yerevan and offer a convenient way to reach Matenadaran. A short taxi ride from the city center should cost approximately 1,000-1,500 AMD. You can use apps like GG Taxi or Yandex Taxi to book a ride.

  • Walking

    If you are near the Yerevan Opera House, a pleasant walk up Mashtots Avenue will bring you to the Matenadaran. The walk is uphill but manageable, offering views of the city. From Republic Square, it's a slightly longer walk, approximately 20-30 minutes.

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Discover more about Matenadaran

The Matenadaran, officially named the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, stands as a testament to Armenia's rich cultural and intellectual heritage. Located on Mesrop Mashtots Avenue in Yerevan, this unique institution is not just a museum, but also a research institute and a repository of ancient manuscripts. The collection's roots trace back to the 5th century when Mesrop Mashtots created the Armenian alphabet. He sent his disciples to centers of learning to gather masterpieces of Greek literature. The word 'Matenadaran' itself translates from ancient Armenian to 'repository of manuscripts'. Over the centuries, manuscripts were meticulously copied and preserved, often in monasteries. Despite numerous invasions and plundering raids, a core collection survived. The modern Matenadaran building was constructed between 1945 and 1957. The main facade is adorned with sculptures of prominent Armenian figures. In front of the building stands a statue of Mesrop Mashtots with his pupil. Today, the Matenadaran houses approximately 23,000 ancient Armenian manuscripts and thousands more in other languages. These manuscripts cover a wide range of subjects, including history, geography, philosophy, science, medicine, and art. The Matenadaran is an important cultural and scientific center, attracting specialists from around the world.

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