Tucked inside the right wing of Yerevan’s central railway station, the Armenian Railways Museum offers a fascinating journey through the evolution of Armenia’s railway system. Located at 86 Tigran Mets Avenue, the museum is a celebration of rail travel in the South Caucasus, paying tribute to Armenia’s engineering heritage and the crucial role railways have played in shaping the country’s industrial and cultural landscape. Open on weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the museum welcomes history enthusiasts, train lovers, and curious travelers alike.
The Armenian Railways Museum officially opened its doors to the public on July 31, 2009. However, its origins trace back to the Soviet era, when a modest, unofficial collection of railway-related artifacts existed—though it remained largely inaccessible to the public. Today, the museum is operated by JSC “Russian Railways,” through its local subsidiary JSC “South Caucasus Railways,” which manages Armenia’s national rail network. This institutional backing ensures a professional and growing collection that offers an immersive glimpse into the past, present, and future of Armenian railways.
The museum’s historical narrative begins in 1896, when the Russian Empire initiated the construction of the Tbilisi–Alexandropol (modern-day Gyumri)–Kars railway line. This marked the birth of Armenia’s railway era and laid the foundation for the extensive network that followed. The museum commemorates each milestone of this development, making it a vital repository of Armenia’s industrial memory.
Spread across ten themed exhibition halls, the museum provides a chronological overview of the Armenian railway system through the ages. Each hall is dedicated to a specific era or theme and showcases an impressive array of exhibits: from scale models of locomotives and train cars—both vintage and modern—to original engineering documents, construction blueprints, and archival photographs that tell the stories of the people and machinery that once crisscrossed the country. Notable among the collection is a Soviet-era steam locomotive and passenger carriage, stationed on the tracks adjacent to the museum, where visitors can physically interact with these massive relics of a bygone age.
The museum includes both indoor and outdoor sections, enhancing the visitor experience with tangible, life-size pieces of rail history. While the majority of the museum’s interpretive signage is currently available only in Armenian and Russian, the displays themselves communicate a universal story of progress, innovation, and resilience that transcends language.
Adding to the museum’s charm is its location within the historic Yerevan Railway Station. Constructed in 1956, the station is a fine example of Soviet-era architecture and remains a vital part of the city’s transportation network. Dominating the station square is the imposing statue of Sasuntsi Davit, the legendary Armenian folk hero, further anchoring the museum in national identity and mythos.
Since 2015, the Armenian Railways Museum has participated in the “Long Night of Museums,” a global cultural initiative that invites the public to explore museums after hours in an engaging and festive atmosphere. Through this event and its regular operations, the museum plays an active role in promoting public interest in railway heritage and inspiring future generations to appreciate the legacy of this transformative mode of travel.
With its unique blend of industrial history, architectural significance, and nostalgic appeal, the Armenian Railways Museum is more than just a niche attraction—it is a vibrant cultural institution that honors Armenia’s past while looking toward its future. Whether you’re a seasoned historian or simply curious about how trains helped shape a nation, a visit to this museum offers a compelling and memorable experience. For more information, visitors can contact the museum at (+374 99) 40-01-28.
Address: 86, Tigran Mets Ave., Yerevan
Phone: (+374 99) 40-01-28
Working hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m. till 05:00 p.m.
Closed: on Saturday and Sunday
