Matenadaran Exhibition “Tracing the Paths of the Spiritual Map: Armenian Manuscript Art” Opens at Spain’s National Library

MADRID  — The exhibition “Tracing the Paths of the Spiritual Map: Armenian Manuscript Art” has officially opened at the Biblioteca Nacional de España, showcasing the rich heritage of Armenian manuscript art from the Matenadaran. The exhibition is organized with the support of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia.

The opening ceremony featured welcome remarks by Óscar Arroyo Ortega, Ara Khzmalyan, Sos Avetisyan, Jordi Martí Grau, and Iveta Tajaryan.

In his remarks, the Director of the National Library highlighted that Armenia’s millennia-old manuscript heritage represents a powerful example of cultural dialogue between nations and contributes to the advancement of institutions dedicated to preserving collective memory.

Ara Khzmalyan emphasized the deeper meaning behind the exhibition’s title, noting: “The concept of a ‘spiritual map’ fully reflects the essence of the manuscripts on display. While geographical maps define territories and borders, these manuscripts transcend them, revealing a different kind of map—one where boundaries are not defined by states, but by shared values.”

The opening ceremony was attended by cultural figures, government officials, business leaders, representatives of the Armenian community, and members of the media. A dedicated guided tour was organized for guests following the ceremony.

The exhibition is curated by Iveta Tajaryan and will remain open to the public through June 21, 2026.

The international promotion of Armenia’s written heritage continues to be a key priority for the leadership of the Matenadaran.