THE HISTORY OF THE MUSEUM

Yerevan History Museum was founded in 1931. Being attached to the communal division of Yerevan City Council, it was called Communal Museum then. In 1936 it was renamed Yerevan History Museum.

Its history repeats the history of its people, its fate is the same as its people’ and its essence of being is one with its people’s essence of existence. Having wandered from shelter to shelter, from abode to abode, it has been finally, fundamentally, deservingly, meritoriously established in a newly built building worthy of its name, riches and values, ancient history of its capital, an embodiment of the creative mind and skill of architect Jim Torosian

In the beginning the museum was located in one of the rooms, on the second floor, of Yerevan Fire Department building.

In 1936 it was moved to the Blue Mosque (Gyoy-Djami) where had functioned for sixty years.

From 1994 to 1997 the museum was located in the building of former Hripsime Female Gymnasium.

From 1997 to 2005 the museum functioned in one of the adjacent buildings of the school N1 named after Shahoumian.

In 2005 the museum was established in a new building. It forms an architectural complex together with Yerevan Municipality.

More than 87,000 museum pieces are kept in Yerevan History Museum. They represent the material and spiritual culture from ancient times till our days.

Collection of archaeology, ethnography, numismatics, fine arts, written records, photographs, etc. kept in the storage of the museum tell about the capital, the past and present of its people.

The scientific exposition of the museum is divided into three sections which have collected, studied and showed objects highlighting the history of Yerevan.

The scientific council affiliated to the museum has had greatest intellectuals and artists of the time as its members: architects Al. Tamanian, T. Toromanian, N. Bouniatian, M. Mazmanian, painters M. Sarian, G. Gyurdjian, Taragros, sculpture A. Sargsian, scientists St. Licitsian, Y. Shahazyz, A. Barkhoudarian, B. Arakelian, T. Hakobian and others.

The museum is a leisure place for people of all ages, occupation and preferences.

Presently the public relations experience of the museum has gained new application. The museum-school ties are being strengthened acquiring new meaning and importance.

The museum is in continual relations with old citizens as well as citizens of young generation.

The mass media always highlights the everyday life of the museum and the events dedicated to the city.

Each year the publications of the personnel increase in number.

THE PRESENT BUILDING OF THE MUSEUM

Since 2005, Yerevan History Museum has been established to the address 1/1 Argishti street, in the nearby territory of which, many years ago, the well-known fortress of Yerevan was situated. Yerevan History Museum together with Yerevan Municipality forms a sole architectural complex. Yerevan is one of those unique cities in the world where the cultural centre, the museum, in subjection of Municipality is in the same building. Naturally, it has its positive aspects. It opens an interesting perspective for the activities of the museum in political, republican and international spheres.

Having profoundly studied the Armenian classical architecture, the unpretentious, simple and prodigious forms of Armenian monuments, architect Jim Torosian has built this architectural complex retaining all these principles. According to its exterior and interior contours, decoration and interesting artistic interpretations, this magnificent architectural monument is certainly worthy of our centuries old capital.

As for its functional aspect, the building is an administrative structure but first and foremost it is perceived as a gorgeous monument dedicated to the capitals of Armenia. As the architect himself metaphorically says: “The complex is an ode to Yerevan and other martyred capitals of Armenia”. Twelve columns on which the names of the twelve capitals of Armenia are carved, stand out on the building.

The building itself “tells” about one of the ancient cities in the world. The history begins from the main entrance of the museum where evidences of our past and present stand side by side. The ancient is the cuneiform inscription which testifies the foundation of the fortress city of Erebouni in 782 B.C. and is the birth certificate of Yerevan.

C. and is the birth certificate of Yerevan. The new is the product of great Tamanian’s mind, the chief plan of Yerevan, erected on the facade of the building. The main entrance of the Municipality is decorated in a particular way. The motifs are drawn from the traditional symbol of eternity and the tree of life which proves the idea of fertility.

The chief plan of Yerevan by Al. Tamanian is carved above the main entrance which catches the eye of each passer-by, as if inviting to take a walk inside this splendid building.

The best traditions of the Armenian construction art: principle of balance, the unity of conception and form, proportions of contour and line are retained here.

THE EXHIBITION HALLS OF THE MUSEUM

The inauguration of the main exposition of the museum took place on 3rd April, 2007 during which the President of the Republic of Armenia Robert Kocharian, Yerevan Mayor Yervand Zakharian and other high officials were present.:

The main exposition of the museum consists of three parts.

In the first exhibition hall the history of Yerevan from prehistoric times until late Middle Age (Yerevan Cave, Shengavit, Karmir Berd, Avan-Arindj, Erebouni, Karmir Blour) is displayed. The model of old Yerevan is erected in the middle of the hall.

The second exhibition hall displays Yerevan in the 19th century (occupation of the fortress of Yerevan, unification of Eastern Armenia to Russia, everyday life of Yerevan, interior of wealthy citizens of Yerevan), store-workshops of Yerevan, activities of self-governed city bodies (city douma), activities of the 19th century mayors of Yerevan, etc.

The third show hall of the museum is thematic which represents economy, city construction, education, culture sports, press, as well as symbols of Yerevan, etc. from the 19th century till our days.

Open this door and walk in, dissolve your being in the golden soil of the past, present and future history of your city, live and inspire in yourself the pride of being just an Armenian, a citizen of Yerevan.