Main Statue Area

Overview

The Main Statue Area at Matenadaran, officially known as the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, is a profound outdoor exhibition in Yerevan, Armenia. This significant cultural landmark serves as a powerful introduction to one of the world's richest repositories of ancient manuscripts. Dominating the approach to the main building, the area features a monumental statue of Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet, alongside his disciple Koryun. Flanking the entrance are six additional basalt statues, each representing a distinguished medieval Armenian scholar, collectively embodying Armenia's profound intellectual and cultural heritage.

Perched atop a hill at the end of Mashtots Avenue, the Matenadaran and its statue area offer not only a visual endpoint to the city's main thoroughfare but also a symbolic gateway to centuries of Armenian thought, literature, and art. These sculptures are not merely decorative; they narrate a story of resilience, scholarship, and the enduring power of the written word in Armenian history.

History & Cultural Background

The Matenadaran's origins as a manuscript collection can be traced back to the 5th century, shortly after Mesrop Mashtots invented the Armenian alphabet in 405 AD, laying the foundation for Armenian literacy and cultural identity. The institution, in its modern form, was established in 1959, based on the nationalized collection of the Armenian Church from Etchmiadzin. The main building, designed by Mark Grigorian, was completed in 1957, drawing inspiration from medieval Armenian ecclesiastical architecture.

The sculptural ensemble in the Main Statue Area was added between 1962 and 1967. The central monument of Mesrop Mashtots and Koryun, sculpted by Ghukas Chubaryan, was erected in 1962, initially in gypsum and later recast in basalt in 1967. The six full-body basalt statues of medieval Armenian scholars were placed between 1963 and 1967. This deliberate arrangement transformed the approach to the Matenadaran into an open-air gallery celebrating the intellectual giants who shaped Armenian civilization.

What Makes It Special

The Main Statue Area stands out for its deep symbolic resonance and artistic unity. The central statue depicts Mesrop Mashtots, the revered father of the Armenian alphabet, guiding his faithful pupil Koryun, who kneels in reverence. This powerful imagery symbolizes the transfer of knowledge and the birth of Armenian enlightenment. Behind them, the 36 letters of the Armenian alphabet are meticulously carved into the wall, a constant reminder of Mashtots's monumental achievement.

The six accompanying statues pay homage to other pivotal figures in Armenian intellectual history: Toros Roslin (manuscript illumination), Grigor Tatevatsi (philosophy), Anania Shirakatsi (cosmology), Movses Khorenatsi (history), Mkhitar Gosh (jurisprudence), and Frik (poetry). Each statue, crafted from basalt, reflects a conventionalized image while contributing to the stylistic harmony of the entire ensemble. Together, these sculptures provide a compelling visual narrative of the diverse fields of scholarship and art that flourished in medieval Armenia.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Mesrop Mashtots was more than just a linguist; he was a theologian, educator, and statesman proficient in multiple ancient languages. His invention of the alphabet in 405 AD was a defining moment, enabling the translation of religious and scholarly texts into Armenian and solidifying the nation's cultural identity.

An inspiring detail for visitors is the inscription on the left wall behind the Mashtots statue, which reads the first-ever sentence translated into the Armenian alphabet: 'To know the wisdom and instruction, to understand the words of insight.' On the right, an eagle grasping a sword and shield serves as a potent emblem of Armenian statehood, resilience, and national identity, connecting the written heritage with the nation's enduring strength. The word 'Matenadaran' itself means 'manuscript store' or 'library' in ancient Armenian, reflecting its primary function. The Matenadaran's collection is recognized by UNESCO, inscribed into the Memory of the World Register in 1997, further underscoring its global significance.

Visitor Perspective

Approaching the Matenadaran, the Main Statue Area immediately commands attention, setting a reverent and inspiring tone for the cultural treasures held within. It's often one of the first sights visitors encounter, offering a moment of reflection on Armenia's profound contributions to world civilization before even stepping inside the museum. The panoramic views of Yerevan from its elevated position enhance the sense of grandeur and historical significance.

For a curious traveler, this area is not just a collection of statues but an engaging open-air lesson in Armenian history and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. It's a place where you can feel the weight of centuries of intellectual endeavor and appreciate the foundational role of the Armenian alphabet. The artistry and symbolism embedded in each figure make it a compelling and memorable experience, truly a must-see for anyone wishing to understand the soul of Armenia.