Penetration of Christianity and its adoption as State religion later in 301 as well as the invention of the Armenian alphabet in 405 gave new stimuli to development of unique cultural traditions here.
Throughout Yerevan alone there are more than 40 museums and galleries presenting fine arts. Yet the country as a whole is often referred to as an outdoor museum. It has over 4,000 historical monuments, which cover various periods of the country's development from prehistoric to Hellenistic era, from early to medieval Christian era. The stone carved crosses and cathedrals may recall the European Renaissance. Comparisons and discoveries are a continual delight throughout the arts in this magical country.

Though distinctive national styles are clear, an Armenian national song can sound to a westerner hauntingly oriental. In order to understand Armenian musical arts please visit the House museum of world known contemporary composer Aram Khachatouryan, go to Philharmonic, the Chamber music hall or to Opera and Ballet House while in Yerevan.
Literary and artistic history is studied and exhibited in Matenadaran - Institute of Ancient Manuscripts in Yerevan (UNESCO World Heritage Sight), which preserves a unique collection of 16,000 complete manuscripts, fragments and miniatures. The oldest parchment manuscript dates back to early 5th c. The majority of manuscripts are research works of ancient scholars on astrology, alchemy, geography, history, medicine, poetry and musical arts.