Parajanov Museum, Yerevan

Do you want to spend a relaxing morning or afternoon being immersed in the culture of an Armenian hero?  If so, why not pay a visit to the Parajanov Museum in Armenia’s capital – an homage to the Soviet filmmaker, director and artist, Sergei Parajanov.  Even if you have not heard of him, if you are interested in film and art, you will find the museum (which consists of 1,400 exhibits) enthralling.  Located at 15 and 16 Dzoragyugh Street (off Proshyan Street) in Yerevan, it is just a short walk from the centre of Yerevan.

Parajanov Museum, Yerevan

Who is Sergei Parajanov?
Sergei Parajanov was born Sarkis Hovsepi  Paradzhanian in 1924 to Armenian parents in Tbilisi, Georgia, in the USSR.  He is considered by many to be one of the greatest masters of cinema in the 20^th century and despite winning international acclaim for his work, he experienced intense discrimination from the Soviet authorities; this was mainly due to his unique cinematic style, which did not conform to the authorities’ views of ‘socialist realism’ in cinema.  Resultant periods of incarceration and suppression also led him to create some incredible and varied pieces of artwork, many of which can be viewed in the eponymous museum.

If you want to know more about Parajanov’s life, work and struggles, then you may want to read the blog, entitled Sergei Parajanov:Armenian Film-maker and Artist.

The History of the Parajanov Museum
Opened a year after Sergei Parajanov’s death, in 1991, The Parajanov Museum is one of the most popular in Yerevan and is a true testament to the genius of a man who was both a film director and artist.  Despite being founded in 1988, whilst the great man was still alive, it did not open until after his death due to the Spitak Earthquake in 1988 and emerging socio-economic problems within the region.  

The founding director of the museum is Zaven Sargasyan and it has been visited by many famous people, including: Paulo Coelho, Wim Wenders, Mikhail Vartanov, Tonino Guerra, Nikita Mikhalov, Vladimir Putin, Aleksandr Lukashenko and Donald Knuth.

The Museum and Exhibition Today
The museum is accommodated in a stunning traditional-style Caucasian building, over 2 floors, which was Parajanov’s home when he returned to Yerevan before he died.  Although small, the museum houses over 1,400 exhibits of Parajanov’s work (including installations, collages, assemblages, drawings, dolls and hats); showcases his unpublished screenplays and librettos; and is also a cultural centre in Yerevan – known for its exhibitions, publications and honorary receptions.  It also incorporates two recreated memorial rooms, original posters, festival prizes and signed letters from famous supporters and dignitaries.  

The museum is open from 10.30am until 5.00pm, every day, and costs 700 AMD to enter.  If you require a guided tour, it will cost 2,000 AMD in Armenian and 2,500 AMD in Russian, English, French or German.  It will even host private dinners, serving excellent food in the courtyard or even in the museum, for a price, upon request.

Trip Advisor Ratings and Testimonials
As previously mentioned, Matenadaran is ranked 7^th out of 34 Armenian tourist attractions on Trip Adviser, with 28 out of 37 independent reviewers giving it 5 out of 5 and 6 more giving it 4 stars out of 5.  Some of the guests said the following:

                ‘Amazing museum!’

                ‘A must!’

                ‘Loved it!’

                ‘Abstraction at its peak.’

Overall, although small, this museum is a wonderful tribute to a much beloved and important Armenian icon of cinema and art and is definitely worth a visit whilst you are there.