The History Museum of Armenia is a cultural institution of national importance, which for more than a century has been collecting, discovering, registering, preserving, studying, interpreting and exhibiting tangible and intangible cultural values related to Armenia and the Armenian people, contributing to the development of science, education and tourism. It houses about four hundred thousand archaeological, ethnographic, numismatic and other collections, with the help of which the museum tries to connect the past and the future. The museum’s collection reflects the full image of the culture and history of Armenia – from ancient times (about one and a half million years ago) to the present day.
Foundation
The museum was founded by the law #439 of the First Republican Parliament of Armenia on 09.09.1919. Its initial name was the Ethnographic and Anthropological Museum-Library. It opened to visitors on August 20, 1921. During its history, it has changed names: Central State Museum of Armenia (1922), Cultural and Historical (1931), Historical (1935), State Museum of History of Armenia (1962) and History Museum of Armenia (2003).
Museum collection
The main collection of the museum was formed in 1921-1931 on the basis of the collections of the Caucasian Ethnographic Society, the museums of antiquities of New Nakhichevan, the ancient fortress of Ani, and the archive of Vagharshapat. In 1923, the Committee for the Protection of Monuments of Antiquities of Armenia was created under the leadership of A. Takhanyan, with the participation of T. Toramanyan, M. Saryan , A. Kalantary, S. Terkobyants, and since 1925 – N. Bunyatyan, B. Hasan-Jalal, G. Arch. Gevorkyan, St. Lisitsyan, and later – E. Shakhaziz, Taragros, K. Gafadaryan, S. Barkhudaryan, N. Tokarska. The committee transferred a significant part of the exhibits to the museum, which replenished its base, forming a collection of 15,289 items.
Currently, the museum holds about 400,000 exhibits of the national collection, divided into sections: archeology (35% of the main collection), ethnography (8%), numismatics (45%), documents (12%). The collections are constantly replenished mainly by finds excavated in ancient monuments on the territory of the Republic of Armenia, as well as purchases and gifts.
The museum is actively involved in scientific activities, hosts exhibitions, educational programs and research. It serves as an important center for the popularization of Armenian history and culture for both local residents and tourists from all over the world. A visit to the museum is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Armenia’s past, understand its cultural heritage and feel a connection with your ancestors.
Conclusion
The History Museum of Armenia is a major cultural and historical center that preserves and preserves the rich heritage of the Armenian people. Its exhibitions and collections allow visitors to immerse themselves in centuries-old history, understand the traditions and values of the Armenian people, and feel a connection with the past. This museum not only serves as a repository of monuments, but is also a living center of cultural life, educational programs, and scientific research. A visit to the History Museum of Armenia is a unique opportunity to touch the history that has shaped the destiny of the Armenian people and continues to inspire future generations.
Contacts
Yerevan, Republic Square, 4
+374 10 582761
+374 55 520691
