Armenia’s Reserve-Museums recorded a record number of visitors in 2025
In 2025, Armenia’s reserve-museums welcomed a record number of visitors—826,000—exceeding the figures of previous years. This was announced during a press conference on February 5 by Armen Hovhannisyan, Director of the “Service for the Protection of Historical-Cultural Reserve-Museums and Historical Environment” SNCO of the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports (MESCS).
He emphasized that while the number of visitors was 750,000 in 2023 and 763,000 in 2024, it reached 826,000 in 2025. Hovhannisyan added that this record was achieved even though Amberd Fortress, which usually attracts a large number of visitors, was closed due to restoration work. In 2024, it hosted about 30,000 visitors. Discussions are currently underway to organize the construction in a way that allows the site to remain open for visits.
The highest number of visits was recorded in Garni, with 528,000 visitors; the second most visited monument was “Zorats Karer” with 32,000 visitors.
According to the Director, the ticket revenue generated from these visits is used for the restoration, reinforcement, and preservation of monuments. Last year, the Holy Mother of God (Surb Astvatsatsin) Church in Voskepar was renovated, and restrooms, information centers, and other infrastructures were established at the sites of other monuments.
This year, a pilot program is planned to enable monument conservators to monitor the areas more effectively, including through the use of drones. According to the Director, this will help strengthen protection and prevent cases of treasure hunting.
