Matenadaran

The Matenadaran (Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts) in Yerevan is Armenia’s principal repository for historic manuscripts and early printed books, preserving and studying Armenian manuscripts and related material. It is named after Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet.

The collection contains medieval illuminated gospels, theological texts, historical chronicles and scientific manuscripts, many of which are displayed in dedicated halls. The institute also runs conservation, cataloguing and research programmes to support scholarly access and preservation.

The present Matenadaran building dates from the mid 20th century and the institution consolidated older manuscript collections into a central national repository; since then it has expanded both its holdings and research activities. The centre is internationally recognised for its palaeographic and codicological work.

Located on Mashtots Avenue north of Yerevan’s central square, the Matenadaran is a prominent cultural landmark accessible from the city centre.

• Manuscript holdings: The collection includes tens of thousands of manuscripts and early printed books, with examples dating from the 5th century onward.
• Namesake and role: Named for Mesrop Mashtots, the institute is the foremost repository for Armenian manuscripts and a centre for palaeographic research.

What to See #

• Manuscript exhibitions: Permanent displays present illuminated manuscripts, theological works and historical documents across several exhibition halls and the reading room for researchers.
• Research and conservation: A research institute attached to the building supports cataloguing, conservation and scholarly study of the manuscript collections.