The Museum of the “Metsamor Historical-Archaeological Reserve” was opened in 1968 to house the finds surfacing from the excavation conducted by Emma Khanzadyan and later by other missions. Currently it is a branch of the “Service for the Protection of Historical Environment and Cultural Museum-Reserves” state organization. More than 27.000 objects are stored and exhibited within the museum. The finds came mainly from the citadel and the necropolis but there were numerous additions to the collection by the most recent Armenian-Polish excavation conducted within the lower-town. The objects dated from the Early Bronze Age till the Medieval period are exhibited on the first floor. While the second floor houses the finds associated with the crafts and cult of ancient Metsamor. The basement accommodates the most precious objects dated from the Late Bronze Age till the time of the Kingdom of Van. Among them are many gold and silver adornments as well as jewellery and other objects made from semi-precious stones, amber and paste, most notably the Agate frog-weight of the Babylonian King Ulam Burarish (16th century B.C.) and the carnelian cylinder seal of King Kurigalzu (15th century B.C.) adorned by Egyptian hieroglyphs. These finds are the witnesses of the far reaching trade and cultural connections of ancient Metsamor. The museum and its friendly staff, under the direction of Artavazd Zaqyan, welcomes visitors from all around the world with traditional Armenian hospitality.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday-Saturday – 10:30-17:00
Sunday – 10:30-15:00
Admission Fee:
700 AMD
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