Vahagn from Yerevan

About me I am currently working on long-term tourism development projects, mainly as a trail development specialist and ecotourism expert. I've worked on creation of hiking and mountain biking trails in a number of Protected Areas in Armenia. Currently, I am working on transboundary tourism packages and tourism management in protected areas. I am also involved with the Transcaucasian Trail i...

Oct 5, 2025

Scientist Union House Yerevan

Abandoned for too long

"The "Scientist Union House" in Yerevan is not that at all: it's a beautiful abandoned building in the centre of the city that always has me wondering..."

Built in 1950s, this beautiful building representing the Russian classicist architectural style first belonged to the National Institute of Sciences of Armenia. I've passed by this place very often in the past decades, but first noticed its emptiness in 2000, getting more and more curious about the reasons a nice building like this in such a central location had to stay empty.

From 1955, this was the laboratory of Armenak Mnjoyan, a doctor of chemical science, specialised in pharmaceutics, synthesis of physiologically active compounds etc. Then, between 1962-1981, it hosted a laboratory of chemical physics, and till 1992 it had a small experimental chemical factory.

I find all this important to highlight, because I didn't like the rumors I heard about this building recently, and I hope they are not true. The rumors are that it's been abandoned for such a long time (from the end of the '90s till now) because, as a result of the many years of hosting chemical content, it became radioactive or harmful in some other way that relates to the scientific activity held inside. I may have been affected by it somehow too, as I worked in the neighboring building for months.

Academic Sergey Mergelyan was planning to make it a Scientists' House and organize meetings of scientists from all over the world, but it never happened, either, although the sign "Scientists' House" did hang on the door for a while.

Now this building is in a sad condition, has a sad dog and is for sale.

Art & culture

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

About this spot

22 Moskovyan Street

AMD

no-price

Our Yerevan City Guide

Find your way with 162 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Yerevan guide.

Join as a Spotter?

Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Yerevan

The Green Bean Cafe

Coffee and pastries

"The Green Bean Cafe" in Yerevan is a place I go to for meeting someone fast or when I need somewhere quiet to work. Great vegetarian & vegan food!

Coffee & tea

Arpi

Janyan

Oct 19, 2025

Hraparak Metro

Soviet Gem

It truly is a Soviet masterpiece considering its unique design and build: it is part metro station, part cavern and, once upon a time, part cafe.

Art & culture

Alan

Grigorian

Oct 18, 2025

Derian Restaurant

Syrian-Armenian cuisine

Derian Restaurant 1: a Syrian-Armenian restaurant that also happens to be one of my favorites in Yerevan. Everything I've tried there's been delicious.

Restaurants

Alan

Grigorian

Oct 18, 2025

Open Air Cinema

Constructivism alive

The "Open Air Cinema" in Yerevan in Moscow Cinema has a rich history, and Soviet ruin-porn enthusiasts can access the building all-year round, too!

Cinema

Raffi

Elliott

Oct 6, 2025

Millennial Park

Celebrating 2800 years of Yerevan

Art & culture

Relaxing

Raffi

Elliott

Oct 6, 2025

Hanrapetutyan Street

Beautiful old architecture

"Hanrapetutyan Street" in Yerevan is one of the most central in the city, yet there is so much to see here. The buildings are really beautiful and old...

Art & culture

Sofia

Manukyan

Oct 5, 2025

Ardēan

Embracing art

"Ardēan": a center for art, architecture and design that has its gallery shop on Abovyan street in Yerevan. I like how they combine technology & tradition.

Art & culture