Matenadaran
Մատենադարան
The world's largest collection of ancient Armenian manuscripts, housed in a research institute and museum. Its exquisite illuminated Gospels reflect a millennium of Armenian writing and miniature painting.
The Matenadaran's full name is the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts. It is named after Saint Mesrop Mashtots, who created the Armenian alphabet in 405 AD. It stands on a hillside at the northern end of Mashtots Avenue. In front of the entrance are statues of Mashtots and his disciples, and beside the entrance are stone statues of famous Armenian scholars. The collection of about 23,000 manuscripts and documents covers Armenian as well as Arabic, Persian, Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, and deals with religion, history, philosophy, medicine, astronomy, and geography. The permanent galleries display a selection of illuminated Gospels and miniatures, rich in color and gleaming with gold leaf. They include the giant Mushegh Sermons, weighing about 28 kg, as well as small parchment volumes. There are also displays on historical Armenian calligraphy and the making of inks and pigments. Some works by ancient Greek authors survive only in Armenian translations, and these are also held here.
Admission prices vary, so check on site. English and Russian guided tours are available for an extra fee, and joining one is recommended to understand the value of the exhibits. Photography may be restricted in some galleries.
It is about a 20-minute walk from Republic Square along Mashtots Avenue, or take the metro to Yeritasardakan station.
Opening hours
Approx. Tue–Sat 10:00–17:00; closed Sun & Mon (check official website)
Nearby sights
- Mother Armenia & Victory Park
- Cascade Complex
- Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre
- History Museum of Armenia
- Vernissage Market
- Republic Square
- Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral
- Blue Mosque