Armenian Museum of America

The Armenian Museum of America in Watertown is the largest Armenian museum in the diaspora, holding more than 25,000 artifacts that trace the creative work of the Armenian people over centuries. Collections include about 5,000 ancient and medieval coins, 3,000 textiles, 180 Armenian inscribed rugs, Urartian and religious artifacts, ceramics, medieval illuminations, books, stamps and maps. It is a place for Armenian Americans to explore their roots and for visitors of every background to learn the Armenian story.

Exhibitions include an introductory gallery, Armenia: Art, Culture, Eternity, with more than 50 objects from antiquity to the Armenian American experience, and a visual narrative of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 to 1923 and its long aftermath of denial. Karsh: Celebrating Humanity features the portrait photography of Yousuf Karsh. The museum also runs a library and hosts cultural and literary programs, such as an evening with novelist Chris Bohjalian and author Nancy Kricorian.

What to Know

• Members get free admission, discounts on classes and gift shop items, and invitations to previews and openings.
• Children under 18 visit free, and students and seniors pay a reduced rate.
• It is about 15 minutes from Boston.
• It describes itself as the only independent Armenian museum outside Armenia.