Founded on the funds of the famous Armenian philanthropist Alec Manukyan, the museum is located in the building of the Cathedral of Echmiadzin, next to the residence of the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church – the Catholicos of all Armenians. In the halls are represented relics that have a special meaning for Christians. The most revered of them is St. Geghard - Longinus spear, which pierced the rib of Jesus Christ after his death. The treasury also includes the remains of Noah’s ark (according to the legend, it landed exactly at the top of Mount Ararat), the relics of the holy apostles, clothes and utensils of the clergymen, personal items and precious relics of the representatives of the Armenian Church and other unique samples.

A visit to the museum is advisable to combine with a visit to the temples of Etchmiadzin. They are vivid examples of the classical religious architecture of Armenia.