Matenadaran (Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts)

The Matenadaran museum consists of 15 halls spanning temporary and permanent exhibits. Expect to see dozens, if not hundreds, of centuries-old manuscripts on display—one of the oldest dates back to the 8th century. While information panels give some context and translate the medieval texts into English or other languages, visiting with a guide is indispensable for understanding the history and evolution of the Armenian written word. Many private Yerevan tour options can be customized to include a stop at the Matenadaran.

• The Matenadaran is part of the Yerevan city pass, which gives bundled free admission to over 40 museums, plus unlimited bus and metro rides, hotel and restaurant discounts, free tours, and a SIM card.

• There is typically an extra charge to take photographs inside the museum, even with a smartphone camera. Be sure to ask in advance if you plan on taking photos.

• Visiting the museum involves a lot of walking, including up stairs. No elevator or escalator is available, making the Matenadaran largely inaccessible for travelers with limited mobility.

• For anyone unable to visit in person, the Matenadaran offers a virual tour on their official website. Many manuscripts have also been digitized, so you can peruse the priceless relics remotely.

The Matenadaran is a 35-minute walk from Republic Square and 12 minutes on foot from the famous Cascade Complex, making it easy to visit both attractions in a single outing. Taxis and rideshare options abound in Yerevan, so it’s easy to get to the museum by car.

The museum, library, and reading room typically only open from Tuesday through Saturday. But even if you’re only in Yerevan on a Sunday or Monday, the massive basalt building—designed in the 1940s, and surrounded by sculptures—is still worth a look from the outside. Opening hours can vary, but tend to be from mid-morning until early evening, although the reading room keeps extended hours.

Just a 30-minute drive from Yerevan in the sleepy village of Oshakan, the Saint Mesrop Mashtots Cathedral contains the burial site of Armenia’s most celebrated linguist. Beyond the 19th-century church and its famous gravesite, the historic location is noteworthy for featuring a small garden decorated with 36 khachkars, or carved Armenian cross-stones, representing the 36 letters of the alphabet that Mesrop Mashtots designed.