Things to Do in History Museum of Armenia
History Museum of Armenia, Հայաստան - Complete Travel Guide
The History Museum of Armenia, located in the heart of Yerevan on Republic Square, stands as the country's premier cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing Armenia's rich historical heritage. Housed in a beautiful neoclassical building that forms part of the iconic Republic Square ensemble, this museum contains over 400,000 artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the modern era, making it an essential destination for understanding Armenian civilization and culture.
Yerevan itself, Armenia's vibrant capital and one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, serves as the perfect backdrop for this remarkable museum. The city seamlessly blends ancient history with modern urban life, featuring stunning Soviet-era architecture, bustling markets, world-class restaurants, and a thriving arts scene. Visitors to the History Museum of Armenia will find themselves in a city where every street corner tells a story, from the ancient Erebuni Fortress to the contemporary Northern Avenue shopping district.
Top Things to Do in History Museum of Armenia
Explore the History Museum of Armenia
Discover Armenia's fascinating history through extensive collections including archaeological finds, medieval manuscripts, traditional costumes, and historical artifacts. The museum's highlights include Bronze Age tools, ancient coins, and exhibits on Armenian kingdoms throughout the centuries.
Booking Tip: Entry costs around 1,000 AMD ($2.50). Visit on weekday mornings for smaller crowds. Audio guides are available for rent and highly recommended to fully appreciate the collections.
Republic Square and Singing Fountains
Experience Yerevan's main square, where the History Museum is located, featuring stunning pink tuff stone architecture and government buildings. In the evenings, enjoy the famous dancing fountains synchronized with music and colorful lights.
Booking Tip: The square is free to visit anytime. Fountain shows typically run from May to October, starting at 9 PM. Arrive 30 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot during peak season.
Cascade Complex and Modern Art
Climb the monumental Cascade stairway featuring outdoor sculptures and art installations, with the Cafesjian Center for the Arts housing contemporary works. The complex offers panoramic views of Mount Ararat on clear days.
Booking Tip: Outdoor areas are free, but the indoor museum costs around 2,000 AMD ($5). Take the escalators inside to avoid the steep climb. Visit in late afternoon for the best lighting and mountain views.
Vernissage Market Shopping
Browse Armenia's largest arts and crafts market, located near Republic Square, featuring handmade carpets, traditional jewelry, Soviet memorabilia, and local artwork. This weekend market is perfect for finding authentic Armenian souvenirs and gifts.
Booking Tip: Open Friday through Sunday, with Saturday offering the largest selection. Bargaining is expected and acceptable. Bring cash as most vendors don't accept cards.
Traditional Armenian Cooking Class
Learn to prepare authentic Armenian dishes like dolma, khorovats, and lavash bread in hands-on cooking classes offered by local chefs. These experiences often include market visits to select fresh ingredients and conclude with a communal meal.
Booking Tip: Classes typically cost $40-80 per person and last 3-4 hours. Book in advance, especially during summer months. Look for classes that include market tours and recipe cards to take home.
Getting There
Yerevan is easily accessible via Zvartnots International Airport, located 12 kilometers west of the city center. The airport receives flights from major European cities, Middle Eastern hubs, and select North American destinations. From the airport, visitors can reach the city center by taxi (approximately 3,000-5,000 AMD or $8-13), airport shuttle buses, or pre-arranged transfers. Overland travel is possible from Georgia via the scenic route through Tbilisi, though the borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan remain closed to tourists.
Getting Around
Yerevan offers various transportation options including an efficient metro system, buses, marshrutkas (shared minivans), and taxis. The metro is particularly convenient for reaching Republic Square where the History Museum is located, with clean stations and affordable fares (100 AMD or $0.25). Taxis are readily available through apps like GG Taxi and Yandex, while ride-sharing services provide reliable transportation throughout the city. The city center is quite walkable, and many major attractions including the museum are within walking distance of each other.
Where to Stay
Republic Square Area
Northern Avenue District
Cascade Neighborhood
Opera House Quarter
Kond Historic District
Arabkir Residential Area
Food & Dining
Yerevan's culinary scene brilliantly combines traditional Armenian cuisine with modern dining concepts, offering everything from street food to fine dining experiences. The city center, particularly around Republic Square and Northern Avenue, features numerous restaurants serving classics like khorovats (Armenian barbecue), khash, and fresh lavash bread. Don't miss trying local specialties at traditional establishments like Tavern Yerevan or Sherep, while modern venues such as Dargett Craft Beer Restaurant offer contemporary takes on Armenian flavors. The city also boasts excellent wine bars showcasing Armenia's ancient winemaking tradition, and numerous cafes perfect for enjoying Armenian coffee and sweets.
When to Visit
The ideal time to visit Yerevan and the History Museum of Armenia is during late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) when temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is minimal. Summer months (July-August) can be quite hot with temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F), though this is peak tourist season with longer daylight hours and active fountain shows. Winter visits (December-February) offer fewer crowds and lower prices, but some outdoor attractions may be less appealing due to cold weather and shorter days.
Insider Tips
Purchase a combined ticket at Republic Square that includes entry to both the History Museum of Armenia and the National Gallery for better value
Visit the museum's gift shop for high-quality reproductions of historical artifacts and books about Armenian history not available elsewhere
Time your museum visit to coincide with the evening fountain show at Republic Square - the museum stays open until 6 PM, perfect for catching the 9 PM show afterward