坦纳达兰 - 古代手抄本博物馆

SL27

Huge entrance area- throwback to the Soviet times I guess.The ticket need to be bought from the small souvenir shop to the right side of the entrance. The staff are not very helpful and one feels that they are doing you a favor even as you enter at the gate. But thats quite common at most government places in Erevan. Dont let that keep you from visiting though. The museum is wonderful- the ancient manuscripts are very well preserved, in fact they seem too well preserved (compared to other museums- but judge for yourself) I enjoyed my visit very much. You can easily spend half a day browsing through just the books alone. Guides/volunteers are helpful to show you around, which was pleasant. Furniture, historic artefacts and lot of stuff related to mashtots and Armenian and some soviet history are on display. Very clean toilets, impressive chandeliers. A visit is a must for museum buffs.If you get a chance to chat with the restoration/ technical staff you get a wealth of information- they seem quite committed to their work.

866marcusd

Visiting matenadaran made my trip to Armenia a truly great one. Lots of interesting found out about Armenia. Will be back for sure.

Norielle

I'm not an expert in the field but I found the exhibits very interesting, especially to see how maps or human body were viewed some centuries ago. Nice and compact museum and a great joy to see all of the preserved manuscripts.

joannad678

On the way up we were greeted by a massive sitting statue of Mashtots, who created the Armenian Alphabet. The most complete exhibition of books, Breviers, prayer books and Documents dating back to between 1400 - 1500 years involving Religion and History. Very well set up and presented, translated from Armenian and Russian into English. Some of the old books had Silver and Ivory covers, the front pages beautifully written with very small quills or thin pointed bamboo splinters, and some in brilliant red and blue paint with gold. The young ladies were very knowledgeable and helpful with translating for us. The huge screen in the first room was showing songs and hymns written by Mashtots, with beautiful photos of Armenian landscapes. I have seen the Book of Kells in Dublin's Trinity College Library, but was even more impressed by the tiny, small or larger books with some Incredibly minute writings and painted pages. Well worth a visit, for 1000 Drams.

Tigranuhi

If you're travelling in Armenia, this is one of the most important places you should visit in Yerevan. Here you can find the smallest (match size)and biggest monuscripts (28kg). number of collection of ancient manuscripts.It's not that expensive. Less than 2Eur, for students even less if I'm not mistaken 500AMD (1EUR). It's in the very center of the city. SO you won't lose time for reaching there

68lillys

As you enter, you have to pay a admission fee. Then they ask if you plan on taking pictures, if you are then you do have to pay an extra fee. I disagree that they make you pay an extra fee to take pictures. I really don't understand the point of this, either they allow you to and it is covered by your admissions, or they do not because it may harm the historical pieces. Other then that factor, everything inside this museum was great. They have a lot of historical pieces which you can only see here. This museum is very big and has a lot of people. I advise you pay, and get to take pictures, because the chances of you seeing again all the works of art, and historical pieces is unlikely. a must see place when visiting Armenia, highly recommend it!

WeArmenians

This place reflects very well the attachment of knowledge and culture of the Armenians in the past and over the years till now, we talked to researchers from abroad working there they were amazed.

472aramk

Matenadaran is a unique scientific center of ancient manuscripts. Although is it called a museum, due to open permanent exhibition, it is actually a home of hundreds of thousands unique ancient manuscripts (books, maps, etc.), not only in Armenian, but also number of other languages/nations. The tour usually takes 1-1:30 hours. There is a nice view from the front of Matenadarn to Mount Ararat. The Matenadaran works every day except Sundays, Mondays and holidays, from 10.00 to 17.00. Tickets price is- 1000 Drams. The guide tours are in 8 languages (Armenian, Russian, English, Italian, Spanish, French, German and Arabic), which costs extra 2500 AMDs for the groups up to 10 persons, and 5000 AMDs for the groups up to 30 persons. Taking photos – 2500 Drams ( No flash allowed)

ZoltanM805

What to say, my expectations were higher reading reviews here. Agree that it is one of the oldest and reaches book-deposits in the world, and that's it! I had nice walk up to the museum, excellent view on the city and Ararat mountain. Museum building is impressive and nice. But inside, you can see books, from different centuries, blocked and hidden under the glass, and that's it! You can see 2 pages of the books, ones that are opened. Maybe this museum has historical value, maybe it is one of the best of kind in the world, but to be honest, I had only nice walk up to the hill, nice view, ant that's it.... PS also web page was available only in Armenian......

fredg1966

Excellent display of many Armenian documents going back over a thousand years. The various documents are divided by cultures, and many are quite ornate.

Bluevesna

worth to see all the manuscripts, there are english speaking guides available. Fascinating!If you're interested in history don't miss.

Nacho_Bilbao

For history lovers, interesting the handcrafting, the inks used etc. Mini-books, armenian alphabet etc.

910Rose

It`s one of the oldest and richest book-depositories in the world. Here are works about history, philosophy, mathematics, medicine, astronomy and geography... The visit was very interesting and I think I must go there one more time...)))

dr_iggy

This is a fascinating museum, though admittedly ancient manuscripts might not be everyone's cup of tea. English speaking guides are available, though they do tend to rush you through. Often an art exhibition in the basement as well.

AceAbrea

Went here with a friend and the collections they have are so impressive. Had a good look at the rare manuscripts which I find it so interesting. I advice to visit the place during the opening time at 10am as it is not yet crowded with tourist so you can have a quality time with the books.