In a city filled with rich history and artistic spirit, the Martiros Saryan House Museum stands out as one of Yerevan’s most vibrant and emotionally stirring cultural landmarks. Dedicated to the life and legacy of Martiros Saryan, Armenia’s beloved “Master of Color,” the museum is a radiant tribute to an artist who transformed everyday scenes into poetic visual symphonies through bold color, expressive brushwork, and a deep love for his homeland.
Martiros Saryan (1880–1972) was more than a painter—he was a visionary whose landscapes, still lifes, and portraits breathed new life into Armenian art. With his unique palette of dazzling hues, he captured the soul of Armenia’s countryside, the warmth of its people, and the golden light of the sun-drenched land. His artistic legacy is so profound that Italian poet and screenwriter Tonino Guerra once remarked, “To come to Yerevan and not visit the museum of the great artist Martiros Saryan is equivalent to missing out on a magic light… it overflowed me with the desire to live.”
The museum, established in 1967 by the Soviet Armenian government, was born in the very house where Saryan lived and painted from 1932 until his death in 1972. Remarkably, Saryan was still alive when the museum opened and saw his lifelong dream of having a public space to house his works come true.
The original two-story house was designed by none other than Alexander Tamanian, the renowned architect behind the layout of modern Yerevan. In 1967, a third-floor gallery was added to the building to accommodate a growing collection of Saryan’s works. Today, the museum is managed by his granddaughter, Rouzan Saryan, continuing a family legacy of preserving the artist’s vibrant vision.
Walking through the Martiros Saryan House Museum is like leafing through the pages of a life passionately lived and lovingly painted. The museum boasts a collection of over 300 works, thoughtfully arranged across three levels in chronological order. Visitors can witness Saryan’s evolution as an artist—from his earliest sketches to his final, soul-stirring compositions.
Some of his most iconic pieces include:
Midday Silence – a serene landscape painted with quiet strength.
Apricot Tree in Blossom – a celebration of spring and Armenian nature.
Autumn Still Life – where seasonal fruit bursts with life on canvas.
Under the Apricot Tree – a nostalgic homage to family and memory.
View of Ararat from Yerevan – a powerful symbol of Armenian identity.
In addition to the paintings, the museum showcases Saryan’s personal studio, complete with his brushes, palettes, and even unfinished canvases, offering a rare glimpse into the private world of a master. Personal items and letters on display deepen the connection between the artist and his admirers.
Though modest in size, the museum offers a deeply immersive experience. Its elegant design, carefully preserved interiors, and thoughtful curation make it a must-see for art lovers and casual visitors alike. A small gift shop allows guests to take a piece of Saryan’s spirit home with them—through prints, books, and keepsakes inspired by his work.
Located at 3 Martiros Saryan Street, the museum is conveniently situated just 20 minutes on foot from Republic Square and 15 minutes from the Cascade Complex.
To visit the Martiros Saryan House Museum is to step into a world where color speaks louder than words and where art connects past and present with astonishing clarity. It is a sanctuary of beauty, passion, and national pride—a place where every stroke of the brush tells a story, and every corner invites you to see Armenia through the eyes of its greatest painter.
Don’t miss this jewel in Yerevan’s cultural crown—it may just change the way you see the world.
Address: 3, Martiros Saryan Str., Yerevan
Phone: (+374 10) 58-05-68
Working hours: Friday-Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. till 06:00 p.m.
Closed: on Thursday
