Located near the Pak Shuka, the Blue Mosque, and St. Sargis Church is the (slightly overlooked) Wood Carving Museum. As the name already suggests, this museum is dedicated to the ancient Armenian craft of wood carving. It doesn’t take long to conclude that wood carving is deeply embedded in Armenian culture. A stroll around the city will easily demonstrate this point. For example, wood art is highly represented at Vernissage (the craft bazaar) and other souvenir shops.
I enjoy visiting the Wood Carving Museum as it showcases a large variety of wood crafts. It also makes me feel like I am time traveling back to the Middle Ages! One will find beautifully decorated household items, ornamental pieces (like sculptures), and even some well preserved medieval items!
The Museum is slightly hidden. Those wishing to visit should pay close attention to a wooden both located behind some food stalls on Paronyan Street (right before reaching the intersection of Leo Street, pictured above). This Museum also compliments the Folk Art Museum located on Upper Abovyan (see my other article).
FYI: The ticket booth closes at 17:30, a half-hour before closing, so don’t be late!
