8 museums in Armenia that you must visit
For lovers of unique museums and historical sites, the regions of Armenia can offer many surprises. And even in the most popular places, sometimes unexpected thematic displays can surprise and charm any visitor. Get ready for an exciting journey with this “collection.”
Geological Museum of Goris
Syunik region, Goris FB: Geological Museum of Goris Phone: +374 77 11 12 45
The geological museum of Goris is located in the city’s main square, and you won’t get lost. I will single out only two samples; you will tell about the others yourself. The first is a lion figurine, dated 7th century BC, weighing 5.5 kg. The discovery of this piece of art dating back to the Urartian era also proves that Syunik was included in the kingdom of Van. And the second is the five-faced idol.
The statue was brought to the museum from the village of Harzhis near Goris, there was a pagan temple in the territory of that village, and this statue was also a relic of the same pagan temple. According to experts, there are several versions; the first one states that the figure testifies to the 5 deities mentioned in Egypt. The second, the five-headed totem, symbolizes the five human civilizations after the great destruction (12 thousand years ago). By the way, there are traces of the worship of the Five-Faced idol in Indian and Egyptian civilizations.
House-Museum of Sergey Merkurov
Shirak Region, Gyumri FB: Merkurov House-Museum Merkurov House-Museum Phone: +374 41 38 81 66
A museum that is unique in its kind and that few people know about. A little bit from the horror genre, but interesting and definitely worth a visit. From the northern facade, you can admire the metal gate. From the western front, you can see an open wooden balcony, which is unique to the architectural style of Alexandropol. This house was built in 1869 by the grandfather of the famous sculptor Sergey Merkurov, which later became a house museum.
European education and talent made Sergey Merkurov one of the most sought-after Soviet sculptors. But he did not immediately achieve recognition. Sergey Merkurov was distinguished by creating death masks. During his career, Merkurov made about 300 masks. And most of the “orders” came to him when he made a mold for Vladimir Lenin, the leader of the world proletariat. Death masks of Tolstoy, Tumanyan, Lenin, and Mayakovsky are kept here.
The sculptor’s house withstood many trials, even a terrible earthquake that hit the city hard. In 1950, the sculptor, being the sole heir of his father’s house, donated it to the town
Sisian History Museum named after Nikoghayos Adonts
Syunik region, Sisian FB: Sisian History Museum, Sisian History Museum Phone: (0283) 23331
The Sisian Museum is divided into two parts. Archaeology, the items here were brought to the museum from the Zorats Karer parking lot, Aghitu, Lor villages, and different districts of Sisian city. In the ethnography section, you can see the carpet art, handicrafts, crafts, and costumes of the Sisian region. I will not tell you about the things in the museum, you will see them yourself. In many families, the idea of having a family tree has long been forgotten. Here they will present all the significance and importance of the family tree. It turns out that among Armenians, the memories of the nation’s lineage and family were often depicted as a tree, which is unsurprising because the tree is considered a natural model of reproduction and development. You will build your family tree with your own experience, and this experience will cause interesting emotions.
Bee Museum
Kotayk Region, Geghashen FB: They don't have; I haven't forgotten Phone: +374 99 23 99 93
This time I will tell you about the bee museum of Geghashen village, where you can see various things in the form of bees. By the way, the museum is unique; the goal was to create a place that would not be found even in international practice.
The world’s biggest bee statue is located in the museum courtyard. There are exhibits from 47 countries that have been collected over 50 years. You can meet things from the pre-Christian period to the present day. One of the items from the pre-Christian period is Armenian. In 192, Artaxerxes II in Greece ordered coins with a bee on one side and his half-face on the other. Only 4 of the coins were preserved. This one was bought from Hamburg, from an Iranian. In the museum, you can see a book about the history of bees published in Edinburgh in 1840, in which there are 30 hand-made pictures, 19 in color.
The series of the most interesting exhibits continues. It turns out that Napoleon Bonaparte was fascinated by bees. That is why a type of bee is called the Napoleonic bee. The emperor of France adored bees so much that he depicted bees in his private room, house furniture, blankets, and carpets. In this museum of Geghashen village, you can see a plate from the personal dishes of General Bonaparte.
Geological Museum of Yeghegnadzor
Vayots Dzor region, Yeghegnadzor FB: Yeghegnadzor Regional Museum / Yeghegnadzor Regional Museum / Phone: +374 98 69 74 03
Visiting the Geological Museum of Yeghegnadzor, you will see remarkable archaeological materials from different historical periods found in the Vayots Dzor region and several unique specimens. The museum’s archaeological collection is of great importance not only for the study of the history of the region but also of Armenia. You will learn about the mysterious history of Moz, the most interesting historical city of Vayots Dzor. Located on the Silk Road, the city had a population of 7 to 10,000. Unfortunately, in 735, an earthquake and some volcanoes destroyed this city. During the archaeological excavations, such finds were found, making it clear that it was a significantly developed city.
You will see the royal collection of Yeghegis. It is unique, as it was found entirely without injuries. This vessel was brought out of Armenia through the Silk Road and was famous worldwide. They will also talk about the clay bear-shaped ritual vessel dating back to the BC 1st millennium. Ritual vessels of various animals have been a common phenomenon in our culture; there are many similar finds in the form of horses and deer. The bear is unique, almost natural, and smiling. The wine was poured from his back and poured from his nose. Sacred rites and rituals were performed through this vessel. The bear symbolizes courage, masculinity, and masculinity.
Metsamor Historical Archaeological Reserve-Museum
Armavir region, Metsamor FB: "Metsamor" historical and archaeological reserve-museum/Metsamor Museum Phone: +374 77 00 24 75
All my guests must be accompanied to the Metsamor Museum. Why? Because here, it is possible to see enormous historical traces of the pre-Christian era, which will amaze you. Rituals, baths, production, and many other things that will impress you. By the way, walk carefully in the land area; every small piece here has a huge history. We’ve come to my favorite part; the permanent exhibition of gold objects in the museum’s basement. Here you can see how exquisite the ancestors were; they say until today, experts cannot figure out the technique for making these things. It’s interesting, isn’t it?
The golden objects of luxury found in the tombs of the ancient site testify to the advanced metalworking of Metsamor and highly skilled metalsmiths.
Camancha Museum
Aragatsotn region, Ashtarak FB: Qamancha Museum and Tavern Phone: +374 77 73 26 08
The oldest image of Kamancha is found in Armenia, on a cup found during the excavations of the medieval capital of Dvin. The gusan is depicted holding a kamancha. It dates back to the 9th-10th centuries. These and many other stories will be told in the Kamancha Museum-Gastrobak in Ashtarak. Armen Minasyan, a kamancha player and master of instrument making, tries to present his art and craft to the guests arriving in Armenia and not only. The museum also has a gastro corner, where refreshments are organized. You can get acquainted with the nuances of making Kamancha in the workshop. You have the opportunity to see a collection of kamanchas, participate in kamancha-making and teaching master classes, and enjoy Armenian music and delicious food.
You only need to call and make an appointment before visiting.
Museum of Illusion
Shirak Region, Gyumri Museum of Illusion FB: Museum of Illusions Armenia Phone: +374 98 20 22 11
Places combining education and entertainment, or so-called “Edutainment,” are gaining popularity all over the world. The Museum of Illusions is an example of this, where science and entertainment meet.
This fantastic world of tricks will trick your basic senses, surprise and confuse, and educate you. Nothing here is what it seems. Are you ready for bigger, better, more exciting adventures? This museum is for you.
Did you “play” with shadows as a child? Was it possible to paint a dog’s head on the wall with the movement of your fingers, or did you get more complex images? Here you can completely become a shadow yourself. And some of them are colorful. And the laws of gravity do not work in the museum’s “Half-turned room.” Here you can appear in the air, jump from the bed and not fall, feel like “Spider-Man” and do many other things.
Cover photo by Areg Balayan