History Museum of Armenia

When you visit Yerevan, you will find Armenia's primary national museum right on Republic Square. Founded in 1919 and housing a vast national collection of 400,000 objects, the History Museum of Armenia offers you an incredible, complete picture of the country's history and culture from prehistory all the way to the present day. You should visit to explore rare traces of cultural connections between ancient Armenian Highlands societies and ancient civilizations like Egypt, Rome, Greece, and Byzantium.

As you walk through its departments of Archaeology, Numismatics, Ethnography, Modern History, and Restoration, you will encounter breathtaking treasures. Don't miss the 782 BC cuneiform inscription detailing the foundation of Erebuni (Yerevan) by Urartian king Argishti I, or the 15th to 14th century BC wooden carts and chariots excavated from Lchashen. You can examine 3rd to 2nd millennia BC bronze items, historic coins from the Armenian Artaxiad dynasty and Cilician kingdom, and early 4th to 5th-century Christian artifacts from Dvin, Ani, and Amberd.

From ancient Urartian wall-paintings and weapons to unique animal statuettes and ritual goblets, the museum lets you experience thousands of years of human heritage under one roof.

What to see at History Museum of Armenia

• The 782 BC cuneiform inscription recording the foundation of Erebuni (Yerevan) by King Argishti I
• Ancient 15th–14th century BC wooden carts, chariots, and bronze miniature models from Lchashen
• Urartian archaeological heritage including bronze statuettes, wall-paintings, and decorated weapons
• Rare coin collections spanning ancient Armenian dynasties, Roman, Seleucid, and Byzantine empires

Visiting tips

Check for special temporary loans and international displays, such as the September 2024 exhibition featuring the bronze head of the goddess Anahit from the British Museum.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

History Museum of Armenia is easy to reach on Yerevan’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Blue Mosque and Erebuni Fortress. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Yerevan travel guide.