The structure was first built as an Armenian church (The Holy Apostles Church) under the Armenian Bagratuni dynasty by Abbas in 930–937.
Archaeological works from Kars and its surrounding region, as well as objects uncovered by the excavations of the medieval Armenian city of Ani were gathered here.
After the new museum building was completed the works were moved and exhibited there.
Finds from the Bronze Age to the present day are on display.
An annex also houses an ethnography department.