Its initial name was Communal Museum, but starting from 1936 it was renamed the Museum of History of the city of Yerevan. Located in the Yerevan City Hall, very close to the city central attractions, the museum is an ideal choice for a sunny day out.
Visitors will find around 90 thousand exhibits, including unique medieval books, ancient objects, military banners, the first telephone and movie cameras, weaponry, graphic drawings of foreign travelers who visited Yerevan, and, of course, the historical record of Urartu Tsar Argishti I with the date of birth of the fortified city of Erebuni (today’s Yerevan). In addition, the History Museum of Yerevan also has relief models of city panoramas, created on the basis of survived drawings and photographs. The protection of exhibits is organized on a high and professional level to provide appropriate atmosphere and security for the upcoming generations.
Yerevan History Museum comes with three exhibition halls:
First Exhibition Hall – This hall featured the history of Yerevan from the prehistoric times to the late Middle Ages. In the middle of the hall you will find the model of old Yerevan.
Second Exhibition Hall – The second hall is all based on the 19th century and the events that took place then, therefore there you will get acquainted with the 19th century Yerevan (occupation of Yerevan Fortress, unification of Eastern Armenia to Russia), activities of self-governed city bodies and so on. In other words, you will get a thorough idea of what the 19th century Yerevan looked like and how it “acted.”
Third Exhibition Hall – The third hall is more thematic. It particularly focuses on the post 19th century and reaches our days introducing not only the history of Yerevan, but also its economy, education, culture, press, construction and so forth. The symbols of Yerevan can also be found in this hall – the flag, the emblem, the hymn and also Yerevan mayor’s emblem with the first letters of the 12 capitals of Armenia.
The three halls taken together will guide you through the entire historical succession of the city of Yerevan making you part of its past, present and the envisioned future.
The museum’s scientific exposition comes with three sections each of which has collected, studied and exhibited items illustrating the history of the city. Each item in this museum will serve as a trustworthy means of access to Armenia’s past, spirit and culture. It’s noteworthy that the most part of this amazing collection was provided by residents of Yerevan. A scientific council was as well affiliated to the museum. And notably such artists and intellectuals were among its members like architects Al. Tamanyin, M. Mazmanian, T. Toromanian, painters M. Sarian, G. Gyurdjian, sculptor A. Sargsian and scientists St. Licitsian, A. Barkhoudarian, T. Hakobian and so forth.
Besides the main exhibition the museum organizes temporary expositions, as well as important educational programs are realized in the museum, plus lesson and game excursions are held with schools.
Presently, two other exhibitions are introduced at the museum the colorful art works by painter Nikol Aghababyan (it will last until October 15; the entrance is free) and the exhibition dedicated to the 1050th anniversary of historical Armenian city Ani, which was called the city of “1001 churches” because of the number of churches built there (the exhibition will last until the end of the year).
The building itself is of great architectural value. It has 5 stories instead of the earlier planned 4 and its total area is 13.5 thousand square meters. There is a tower, 47 meters at height, which is also very interesting.
The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm. Note that it’s one of the rare museum s open on Mondays. Pay a visit to the History Museum of the city of Yerevan to travel just within hours through millennia that Armenians have aged through. The museum is closed not only on Sundays but also on national holidays and commemoration days. Yerevan History Museum has a a canteen inside the building as well.
The entrance fee makes up 250 Dram for schoolchildren and students and 500 Dram for adults and tourists. For preschool and school children the museum holds special game and lesson excursions, which are but an easier way of introducing Yerevan’s history to them.
There are several languages in which excursions are available – in Armenian, which will cost you 2000 Dram, in English, Russian, French and German, which will cost you 3000 Dram. Play excursions will cost you 3000 Dram as well. Also note that the museum offers facilities for the disabled. It has an elevator and sloping floors.
Address: Yerevan, 1/1 Argishti Street
Tel.: (374 10) 568 185, (374 10) 568 109
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
Website: http://yhm.am/
