Matenadaran, Yerevan: Photos, Reviews & Location

Scientific research institute exhibiting many of its rare manuscripts, parchments & books.

At a glance

#23 of 48 Tourist attractions in Yerevan #14 of 23 Museums in Yerevan

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.70

0.9 km from the center of Yerevan

Rating breakdown

5 ★85%
4 ★8%
3 ★3%
2 ★1%
1 ★3%

53 Mesrop Mashtots Ave, Yerevan 0009, Armenia

matenadaran.am

+374 10 562578

Quick facts

What is the rating of Matenadaran?: Matenadaran is rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 1,005 reviews.
How does Matenadaran rank in Yerevan?: Matenadaran is #23 of 48 Tourist attractions in Yerevan by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is Matenadaran located?: 53 Mesrop Mashtots Ave, Yerevan 0009, Armenia — 0.9 km from the center of Yerevan.
How can I contact Matenadaran?: Phone: +374 10 562578 · Website: matenadaran.am

Very Impressive building but inside there are not many things to see... Unless you are specialised in ancient transcripts... Entrance fee is so small so in case you don't have anything else to do is a nice walk...

Rhys Travel 2024 Jan 19

It has a great collection of manuscripts on display. However it's a shame that it doesn't let people take photos or videos. And the fit shop section was closed during our visit on a Friday early afternoon and we couldn't buy anything though we wanted to. There were many people working though.

KF Ristroph 2023 Nov 24

Recommended! What history. Some books were 1,000 years older than I am. They let you take pictures with a phone camera, no flash, without buying the photography pass. They have free lockers for backpacks, clean bathrooms, and plenty of places to sit and relax between admiring the books.

Andy Ansryan 2023 Sep 26

If you’re into printing or Bible studies, this is the place to go in Yeran

Armond V 2023 Sep 17

Matenadaran is one of the must-see museums in Yerevan. The historical books and manuscripts are truly breathtaking. The displays are laid out perfectly for everyone to follow and understand. Getting a tour guide is always worth every penny; however, I highly recommend to take the time and read the descriptions as they are very informative.

Ola Jentzsch 2023 Aug 05

With a world-class collection of awe-inspiring works in an equally awesome building, this is certainly a must-see in Yerevan. The manuscripts are presented without much context however, so the 5000 dram guided tour is worthwhile if you can afford it. Had the collection only been better presented, this could have been a museum of global renown.

Hosam Shokr 2023 Mar 04

Extraordinary place to visit in Yerevan, Armenia.
Recommended to all who are interested in information about the book and the history.

Jennifer Smith 2022 Jun 03

I was torn on visiting here with some earlier mixed reviews, and even more so on getting a guide, but I’m SO glad I did. I was here easily two hours and the English guide I had, Lillit, was fantastic. Excellent English skills and explanations for all the manuscripts and books she pointed out. The tour was about an hour or maybe more and I enjoyed every minute. The 5000 dram price for the guided tour is so worth it. Yes, there are English translations for everything but you won’t get a true understanding and context of all you see. Also Lillit, loved your bronze eye makeup! Apparently there is an additional cost for taking photos, which I wasn’t aware of, but Lillit me sneak a bunch. I’m so grateful to her and highly recommend her services! This place is a gem for bibliographiles.

Timothé Paris 2020 Sep 12

I loved the place, it showcased the literary history of Armenian with an impressive exhibit available in many languages (but more complete in French and Armenian - For once my language was useful !)
It was an interesting visit and I learned a lot in a short amount of time.
I'm quite surprised by the lack of popularity of the place, even the building is good looking and stylish !

Erich Aebersold 2020 Jan 25

An extraordinary place with a great exhibition of ancient books and printings. I was very impressed that the exhibits are commented in 4 languages (Armenian, Russian, English and French).
I recommend to take a guide for the exhibition, they will give you so much insight information about the book and the history.

It is a MUST to visit it.

Arman Khachatryan 2016 Oct 04

Matenadaran, officially the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, is a museum, repository of manuscripts, and a research institute in Yerevan, Armenia. It is the world's largest repository of Armenian manuscripts.

It was established in 1959 on the basis of the nationalized collection of the Armenian Church, formerly held at Etchmiadzin. Its collection has gradually risen since its establishment, mostly from individual donations. One of the most prominent landmarks of Yerevan, it is named after Mesrop Mashtots, the inventor of the Armenian alphabet, whose statue stands in front of the building.