Mother Armenia Monument | Yerevan

Information

Landmark: Mother Armenia Monument
City: Yerevan
Country: Armenia
Continent: Asia

Mother Armenia Monument, Yerevan, Armenia, Asia

The Mother Armenia Monument is a colossal statue located in Victory Park in Yerevan, Armenia. It serves as a memorial to the Armenian women who contributed to the victory in World War II.

Visual Characteristics

The statue depicts a female figure, standing 22 meters (72 feet) tall, cast in bronze. She is clad in traditional Armenian attire and holds a sword, symbolizing strength and protection. The monument is situated atop a large, tiered granite pedestal, which houses a museum. The overall structure reaches a height of 51 meters (167 feet).

Location & Access Logistics

The monument is situated in Victory Park, approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) northwest of Yerevan's city center. Access is via Azatutyan Avenue. Parking is available within Victory Park. Public transport options include bus lines 1, 10, 17, 24, 31, 37, 44, 46, 52, 54, 63, 71, 88, 96, and 100, which stop near the park entrance. From the park entrance, it is a 10-minute walk to the monument.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The monument was originally conceived as a statue of Joseph Stalin, designed by sculptor Ara Harutyunyan and architect Rafayel Israelyan. It was erected in 1950. Following the de-Stalinization period, the statue was removed in 1962 and replaced with the current figure of Mother Armenia, redesigned by sculptor Levon Tokmajyan and architect Gagik Areshyan. The original purpose was to commemorate Soviet victory in World War II, and the current iteration honors the role of women in that conflict and in Armenian history.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can ascend the pedestal to explore the Mother Armenia Military Museum, which displays artifacts and exhibits related to Armenian military history, particularly World War II. The base of the monument offers panoramic views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat. Photography of the statue and the surrounding park is permitted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the museum complex at the base of the monument. Shade is limited around the immediate monument area, but trees are present in Victory Park. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in this area. Food vendors are typically found within Victory Park, particularly during warmer months.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is late afternoon, when the light casts long shadows and illuminates the statue. The best months for visiting are from April to October, when weather conditions are most favorable. There are no tide-related considerations.

Facts & Legends

A notable detail is that the sword held by Mother Armenia was originally part of the Stalin statue. The museum within the pedestal contains a Soviet-era tank and artillery pieces displayed outside.