in Yerevan, Armenia
Mother Armenia Statue
A 54-meter tall monument symbolizing the power and strength of the Armenian people, erected in 1967. The statue holds a sword and overlooks the city from Victory Park. The base houses a military museum showcasing Armenia's military history. Offers excellent panoramic views of Yerevan.
The Mother Armenia Statue (Mayr Hayastan) is a commanding monument that has presided over Victory Park in the Arabkir district of Yerevan since 1967, when it replaced an earlier statue of Joseph Stalin. The figure — a female warrior holding an upraised sword — was sculpted by Ara Harutyunyan and mounted on a massive stone pedestal that simultaneously functions as the Military Museum of Armenia. The total height from the museum base to the tip of the sword reaches approximately 54 meters, making it one of the tallest sculptures in the South Caucasus and a prominent landmark visible from wide areas of central Yerevan.
The statue is positioned on the northern hillside above the Hrazdan Gorge, and visitors approach through Victory Park — a large Soviet-era green space established after World War II as a tribute to the Soviet victory, and still popular with families, joggers, and local residents who use its café, amusement rides, and shaded pathways. The park's ridge offers views across the Hrazdan Gorge and the Arabkir residential district toward the city center.
At the base of the statue, the Military Museum of Armenia presents exhibits covering Armenia's military history from antiquity through the modern era, including material from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts. Display cases contain weapons, uniforms, medals, military vehicles, and official documents arranged across multiple floors within the stone pedestal. Admission to the museum is charged separately; access to the park and the exterior viewing area around the statue is free.
The best photography positions are on the open plaza immediately surrounding the pedestal, where the full vertical sweep of the statue against the sky can be captured. Evening illumination lights the statue after dark, making it a visible nighttime landmark across the city. A visit to the statue and park takes about 30–45 minutes; including the Military Museum adds another 45–60 minutes. The site is easily combined with the Armenian Genocide Memorial at Tsitsernakaberd, located approximately 2 kilometers to the southwest along the same ridge road.
Hours: Park open 24/7, museum 10am-5pm
Best for: photography, history buffs, families
Location
Victory Park, Yerevan
40.1962, 44.5232 — View on map
Highlights
- 54-meter bronze statue of a female warrior with an upraised sword, visible from wide areas of central Yerevan
- Military Museum of Armenia inside the stone pedestal, covering Armenian military history from antiquity to the present
- Victory Park setting with mature trees, shaded pathways, and views across the Hrazdan Gorge
- Evening illumination making the statue a prominent night landmark across the city
Tips
- Combine with Victory Park visit
- Great sunset viewing spot
- Can reach by cable car from Hrazdan Gorge
FAQ
How long does a visit to the Mother Armenia Statue take?
The statue exterior and park take about 30–45 minutes to see. Including the Military Museum inside the base adds 45–60 minutes, for a total of 1–1.5 hours.
Is there an admission fee?
Victory Park and the statue exterior are free to visit. The Military Museum inside the base charges approximately 500 AMD for adults; children are typically admitted free.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is welcome throughout Victory Park and around the statue exterior. Photography inside the Military Museum is generally permitted, though some individual exhibits may be restricted.
How do visitors reach the statue?
The statue is in Victory Park in Arabkir, accessible by taxi or a 20-minute walk from the northern end of Mashtots Avenue. A cable car from the Hrazdan Gorge provides an alternative scenic approach.
Accessibility
Victory Park has paved paths leading to the statue base and is generally accessible for wheelchair users, though some path sections have gradients. The Military Museum inside the pedestal has internal stairs; elevator access availability should be confirmed directly with the museum before visiting.
When to visit
Afternoon visits from 4 pm onward offer the best photographic light as the sun falls behind the statue. Clear autumn and winter days provide the best chances of seeing Mount Ararat from the park's ridge.