If you need colors, then you need to visit Martiros Saryan’s House Museum. Everybody who has been there will agree on this because abundance of bright and meaningful colors is what you will see in the house museum of one of the most talented, loved and valued Armenian artists Martiros Saryan.
The museum was founded on November 27, 1967, and it currently houses 247 pieces. Throughout its existence the museum has spared no effort to collect and exhibit the artist’s works.
Still back in 1932 a house with s studio was built especially for the painter. There he received hundreds of visitors, particularly admirers of his art, from every corner of the world. Saryan was so much recognized that a decision was made to construct a museum adjoining the residential part of his house. The decision was made in 1967; that is during Saryan’s lifetime. The architect was Mark Gregorian.
The museum is a three story building in which the painter’s art is represented chronologically with the early period of his creative path introduced on the third floor. So the third floor is where a tour in the museum of this most remarkable painter who was born in 1880 and died in 1972 should start at.
Third Floor – On the third floor the early period of the artist’s works is introduced. The early period includes paintings created within the years 1903 up to 1920s. The paintings of this period were more realistic and taken from life. While with time he seemed to have adopted the synthetic pictorial approach with the principle of painting in wide and evenly laid colorful spots. Russian poet Maximilian Voloshin used to describe his art this way, “The instinct in his blood prompts a genuinely oriental range of colors. Blending one simple hue with another he succeeds in bringing the impression of versatility and luxury.” Already in 1914-1917 the paintings were more focused on Transcaucasia, particularly Armenia and Tiflis.
Second Floor – The second floor features paintings created within 1920s up to the 1968. Saryan loved Armenia and was filled with the truest and warmest feelings towards “her.” That is clearly felt from the paintings of this period in which he depicted Armenia’s nature, life and architecture in the most beautiful ways. Armenia, Yerevan, Ararat, Armenian gardens and mountains is what the paintings of that period reveal. In 1926-1928 the artist lived in Paris, France, but still his heart and mind were in Armenia. Nevertheless, his being far from his country is reflected in the paintings, which appear to be less decorative.
On the second floor there are also the works of the years 1934-1940, which were the most dramatic year’s of the artist’s creative path. It was the time when the Soviet Government used to set its own demands, that is to create canvases for people who idolized socialistic ideologies. Book illustrations and sketches for theatrical decorations were the only field where imaginary and metaphoric interpretation was allowed. The paintings of the 1941-1968 come with an amazing harmony and relieved anxiety creating the feeling of satisfaction. Paintings depicting World War II can also be found on this floor.
First Floor – Compared with the third and second floors, the first floor is less attractive but still not less significant. It’s where graphic art works (drawing and sketches) of the 1901-1969 are exhibited. Notably, it’s also where the late period (the last two years) of the artist’s creative biography is presented.
Saryan’s Studio – Everything is nicely introduced on the three floors, but to feel the artist’s real spirit it is a must to visit Saryan’s studio where everything is preserved as Saryan left. There you will see his brushes, his chair on which his working cloth lies, a small round table with the paints, and of course his unfinished work “Fairy Tale.”
Working Days/Hours
The museum is open all year round. From April to September it’s open from 11 am to 5 pm, with only on Wednesday from 11 am to 4 pm. From October to March it’s open from 11 am to 4.30 pm with only on Wednesdays from 11 am to 3 pm. The museum is closed on Thursdays, on April 24 and on national holidays.
Ticket Prices
The ticket to the museum will cost you 600 Dram, while for schoolchildren, students and pensioners only 300 Dram. Guided tours are available. A guided tour in Armenian will cost 2000 Dram, and in a foreign language (in Russian or English) 2500 Dram.
Free Days
On every second Friday of the month schoolchildren and their accompanying teachers can enter the museum without paying an entrance fee.
On every last Friday of the month students, pensioners and military servants can enter the museum without having to pay.
Address: 3 Saryan Str., Yerevan 375002, Armenia
Tel.: (374 10) 581 762
Fax: (374 10) 521 607
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.saryanmuseum.com
