National Gallery of Armenia
The country's largest art collection, on Republic Square
- Area Yerevan
- Type Museum
- Time needed 1h 30m
The National Gallery of Armenia is the country's largest art collection, spread over several floors above the History Museum on Republic Square. It covers Armenian painting from the nineteenth century onwards alongside Russian and Western European rooms.
Open in the planner →Getting there
On Republic Square itself, so nothing to drive from a Yerevan base and a few minutes on foot from the central hotels.
What you see
The Armenian floors are the reason to come: Martiros Saryan's saturated landscapes, Hakob Hovnatanian's portraits, and a strong body of twentieth-century work including the diaspora painters. There are also rooms of Russian painting and a European section with a scattering of recognisable names. Hanging and lighting are plain, and the rooms are quiet even in high season.
What to pair it with
Natural pairing with the History Museum below it and with the Opera and Cascade complex, a short walk north.
When to go
Any time the building is open; mornings are quietest. Confirm the weekly closing day before you build a day around it.
What is hard about it
Which floors and rooms are open varies, and parts of the collection can be closed without notice. The European section is modest by international standards and some visitors find it padding around the Armenian core.
Common questions
What should I not miss?
The Saryan rooms. If you only have half an hour, go straight to the twentieth-century Armenian floor.
Is it accessible by lift?
There is a lift in the building, though access to all floors is not guaranteed.
Can I buy a combined ticket with the History Museum?
Treat them as separate admissions unless told otherwise at the desk.
Nearby
- Yerevan CascadeGiant limestone stairway with modern sculpture and city views
- MatenadaranRepository of ancient Armenian manuscripts
- Republic SquareYerevan's central square with musical fountains
- Erebuni FortressUrartian citadel from 782 BC, the birthplace of Yerevan
- Armenian Genocide MemorialHilltop memorial and museum to the victims of 1915
- History Museum of ArmeniaNational collection from prehistory to the modern era
More of the same kind
- Sergei Parajanov MuseumCollages and films of the visionary director
- Byurakan ObservatorySoviet-era observatory founded by Viktor Ambartsumian