Republic Square in Yerevan is renowned for being a cultural and architectural heart of the city, where numerous landmarks and places of interest converge. Among them, one of the most significant and frequently visited is the History Museum of Armenia. Established in 1921, this institution stands as a true treasury of Armenian heritage. Its vast and captivating exhibitions offer visitors a journey through time, opening a window into the distant past — from the earliest human settlements to the rise of civilizations that once flourished on this land.
With a collection exceeding 400,000 artifacts, the museum holds the richest historical archive in Armenia. Nearly every exhibit was unearthed during extensive archaeological expeditions carried out by distinguished ethnographers. Over the decades, the museum’s holdings have been enriched by the collections of the Ani and Nakhichevan museums, as well as the Etchmiadzin repository of ancient manuscripts, which were later unified under one roof. Many items have also been acquired from abroad or generously donated.
The exhibition is thoughtfully divided into thematic sections: archaeological finds, manuscripts, ancient tomes, coins, and items of ethnographic significance. Spanning a colossal timeline — from the era of Homo erectus to the modern day — the exhibits narrate stories of ancient tribes and their intercultural connections across regions that include present-day Armenia, Byzantium, Persia, Iran, Egypt, Assyria, and beyond.
Particularly compelling are the artifacts from the Bronze Age: intricately crafted jewelry, weapons, tools, and remarkable finds from the legendary kingdom of Urartu. These include stone obelisks from the ancient cities of Erebuni and Tushpa, royal armor, cuneiform tablets, ceramics, statuettes, bone carvings, and precious ornaments — each piece a silent witness to the grandeur of a long-lost empire.
A separate hall houses wooden chariots excavated from the settlement of Lchashen, along with a rare and remarkable coin collection. This includes currency from the era of the Artaxiad dynasty, which ruled more than a millennium ago. Among the treasures on display are priceless written artifacts — one-of-a-kind relics that illuminate the literary and political history of the Armenian people.
Other notable exhibits include early Christian illuminated manuscripts, wall paintings, and sculptural reliefs from the Hellenistic period. The exhibition concludes with royal decrees and diplomatic documents reflecting the lives of Armenian communities in Russia, early printed books, and examples of folk art from more recent centuries.
A visit to the History Museum of Armenia offers an immersive experience through the ages — a chance to witness the nation’s enduring spirit. From everyday items and ancient weapons to medieval banners, sacred texts, jewelry, and the memoirs of historical travelers, every object tells its own story. Among the museum’s crown jewels is a cuneiform inscription by King Argishti I of Urartu, documenting the founding of the fortress city of Erebuni in 782 BCE — the ancient birthplace of present-day Yerevan.
A vivid sense of what Yerevan looked like centuries ago is conveyed through panoramic dioramas, meticulously reconstructed from surviving sketches, maps, and architectural plans.
Address: 4 Republic Square, Yerevan
Website: [Official Website]
How to get there: Take the metro to “Republic Square” station. Exit and cross Nalbandyan Street, then turn left.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Sunday – 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on Mondays.
