National Museum of Georgia

National Museum of Georgia, or Janashia Museum, located at 3 Shota Rustaveli Ave., Tbilisi 0105, is the oldest museum in the country, having been founded in 1852. Originally it was the museum of the Caucasian Department of the Imperial Russian Geographical Society. Until 1919 it was called the Museum of the Caucasus and today it houses around one and a half million exhibits that reflect the nature of Georgia and the Caucasus as well as the life and culture of the Georgian and other Caucasian peoples from ancient times to the present day.

For paleontology

When you enter the national museum of Georgia, you will be immersed in the fascinating world of the paleontological, archaeological and ethnographic collections. Particularly noteworthy is the paleontological exhibition, which is dedicated to fossils found in Georgia, including the skeletal remains of the ‘first European’, Homo Ergaster, who lived about 1.8 million years ago. This exhibition offers a unique insight into the prehistory of Europe.

For archaeology

The archaeological exhibits date back to pre-feudal and medieval times and show the development of Georgia’s material culture from the Stone Age to the 18th century. Here you can learn more about the lives and customs of the people who have lived in this region. Some exhibits from the 13th century are brought to life in a special exhibition, making you feel transported back in time.

For ethnography

Another highlight of the museum is the ethnographic exhibition. Here you can discover traditional Georgian houses, furniture, clothing, jewellery and weapons. These exhibits will help you to better understand the culture and heritage of Georgia, which is still alive today.

Lapidarium

The museum’s lapidarium is another place of historical value. On display here are ancient Georgian epigraphic monuments and inscriptions in various languages such as Aramaic, Bedouin, Hebrew, Armenian and Arabic that have been found in Georgia. Particularly noteworthy is the collection of Urartian inscriptions, which is one of the largest in the world.

‘Gold treasure’ of the museum

In the special depository of the museum, exhibits from various regions of Georgia are on display, ranging from Kakheti and Trialeti to Vani and Akhalgori to Dmanis, illustrating the diversity of Georgian history and culture. Unique goldsmith works testify to the high level of craftsmanship of the time.

For numismatics

In addition, the museum displays all coins minted in Georgia, thus providing a comprehensive overview of the country’s coin history from the 6th to the 20th century.

INFO: Opening hours, admission prices and further details can be found here.