One of Gyumri's most distinctive museums, the 'Tars and Shitak' Museum, is known for its unique name and style of exhibition. The name comes from the concept of life being "upside down and inside out," which can be seen inside the museum itself.
The museum is housed in a 1900s building, where antiques from the 1890s to the USSR era are preserved. A unique feature of the museum is that some of the items are hung from the ceiling, which is made of wood, allowing the old items to remain securely in place. Here you can see old telephones, cupboards, beds, refrigerators, clocks, paintings, crockery and other household items.
The museum was founded by winemaker Tsolak Vardanyan. Initially, the space was intended as a wine tasting venue, but over time the concept expanded and evolved into a museum. Today, the museum has four halls, and in the final hall, visitors are served homemade raisin wine.
The museum building has its own history as well. The property once belonged to the famous merchant Ter Martirosyan, who received a special charter from the Russian Tsar Nicholas. A sculpture preserved on the house's arch is a testament to this, lending the museum visit a historical interest as well.
Opening Hours
The museum is open:
Tuesday to Saturday 11:00-19:00
Admission: 1,200 drams.
