Aram Khachaturian Museum

Introduction

The Aram Khachaturian Museum in Yerevan, Armenia, invites visitors into the world of one of the twentieth century’s most celebrated composers. Located at 3 Zarobyan Street in the city centre, this house‑museum preserves the very house where Aram Khachaturian lived whenever he visited Armenia. With its combination of personal atmosphere, rich musical heritage and architectural charm, it offers an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in music and cultural history.

About the Museum

Founded in 1978 by decision of the Armenian government, the museum was created from the composer’s private residence, which he had received as a gift in the 1940s. The original house remains unchanged, while a two‑storey building was added in the former garden area. A graceful courtyard features a spring monument contributed in honour of Khachaturian’s 105th birthday.

Visitors enter via a striking façade with five towering arches reminiscent of tuning forks, and ascend a winding staircase from the foyer to ten spacious and brightly lit exhibition halls on the first floor. These showrooms host the permanent exposition, which traces the composer’s life chronologically—from childhood and early musical studies, through his creative peak, to his conducting, teaching and international recognition.

The museum’s collection now includes over eighteen thousand items, of which thirteen thousand are part of the main archive. Among them are personal belongings—such as the composer’s clothing, bedroom furniture and grand piano in which he worked—manuscripts, letters, photographs, posters and awards. Many of these were generously donated by his son, Karen Khachaturian, as well as admirers and colleagues worldwide.

A highlight of the exhibit is the piano gifted by a Brazilian admirer, on which Khachaturian carved his autograph into the cover. Another grand piano from Argentina is also displayed, each with its own poetic story. Soft background music throughout the museum enhances the atmosphere, bringing his compositions to life.

The museum also offers robust cultural and research facilities. On the ground floor, visitors can access the archive fund, reading room and memorial section. There is a library of nearly seven thousand physical recordings—CDs and DVDs—featuring Khachaturian’s own works and a wide range of classical repertoire. These were generously donated by Canadian‑Armenian Harmik Grigorian. The music is available to listen to in the sound library, and the institution also maintains a scholarly library with monographs, articles and international publications on music and Khachaturian’s legacy.

A light and acoustically excellent concert hall on the first floor hosts regular musical evenings, chamber recitals, competitions and temporary exhibitions. The museum often hosts the biennial Aram Khachaturian International Competition in its own halls, along with commemorative concerts and meetings with cultural figures.

Interesting Facts

• The museum’s autograph piano was specially purchased in Brazil by an admirer so Khachaturian could play—and the admirer later persuaded the composer to sign the lid with a nail
• The composer himself reviewed and commented on the architects’ design of his future house‑museum before it was built, approving it in January 1978 in Moscow
• More than eighteen thousand items are preserved in the collection, including personal items, manuscripts, correspondence and photographs, with thirteen thousand in the main archive
• UNESCO has entered Khachaturian’s handwritten notes and film music into its Memory of the World International Register, recognising their lasting global significance
• The house‑museum organises creative educational programmes for children—such as painting under the inspiration of Khachaturian’s music—and hosts DVD demonstrations titled “Masterpieces of world classical music”

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +3741 058 9418

Website: akhachaturianmuseum.am/

Facebook: facebook.com/museum78

Conclusion

The Aram Khachaturian Museum is much more than a tribute to a great composer; it is a living cultural centre, where music, history and personal story intertwine in a setting of warmth and authenticity. Visitors can wander through rooms preserved as he knew them, listen to his compositions and explore a vast archive of documents and recordings. Concerts, exhibitions and educational projects enliven the museum year‑round, making every visit an engaging and enriching experience.

For anyone visiting Yerevan with an interest in music, Armenian culture or artistic heritage, the house‑museum offers a uniquely intimate and memorable journey into the life and legacy of Aram Khachaturian.