Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Library
Location: Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Armenia
Type: Educational/Library
Client: Vatche Manoukian
Appointment: 2009
Completion: 2012
Area: 1,600 sqm
Height: 12 m
Status: 🟢 Realized
Award: 🏆 State Award of the Republic of Armenia
Welcome to Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Matenadaran, an elegant two-story library situated in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Constructed from white felsite stone adorned with Armenian ornaments, this repository of ancient manuscripts seamlessly blends classic and contemporary architectural elements.
The basement floor is the heart of preservation, hosting bookcases and auxiliary rooms that ensure the safekeeping of valuable manuscripts. As you move to the first floor, you'll encounter an antechamber leading to an administrative section, a spacious reading room, a meeting hall for intellectual discussions, and exhibition halls showcasing cultural artifacts.
The second floor is dedicated to scholarly activities, housing scientific offices, a reading room specifically for ancient books, and a unique auditorium designed to facilitate international conferences. Additionally, there's a conference room and more exhibition space to cater to various intellectual and cultural events.
Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Matenadaran stands as a testament to architectural functionality and cultural preservation, offering a rich environment for both scholarly pursuits and public engagement. With its fusion of classic and contemporary elements, it invites visitors to explore the intersection of history and modernity.