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State Museum of Georgian Folk Songs and Instruments: A Melodic Journey

Explore Georgia's rich musical heritage through traditional instruments and historical recordings at this unique Tbilisi museum.

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Discover Georgia's rich musical heritage at this unique museum in Tbilisi's Old Town. Explore a diverse collection of traditional Georgian, Caucasian, and European instruments, tracing the evolution of Georgian folk music through the ages.

A brief summary to State museum of Georgian folk Songs and Instruments

  • Tuesday 11 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-6 pm
  • Friday 11 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Consider taking a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and significance of the instruments on display.
  • Check for live demonstrations or video presentations to hear the sounds of the traditional instruments.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Narikala Fortress for panoramic views of Tbilisi.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Freedom Square in central Tbilisi, walk south towards the Old Town. Pass through the Shardeni Street area, known for its cafes and shops. Continue towards the Narikala Fortress. The museum is located on Samghebro Street, near the fortress entrance. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take bus number 31, 44, 50, 55, 58, 71, 80, 101 or 103 to the 'Freedom Square' stop. From there, walk towards the Old Town and Narikala Fortress. The museum is located on Samghebro Street, near the fortress entrance. The bus fare is 0.50 GEL. Alternatively, take the Tbilisi Metro to the 'Avlabari' station and then take a bus or walk to the location. A metro ride is also 0.50 GEL.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From any point in Tbilisi, use a taxi service or ride-sharing app (Bolt, Yandex Taxi) to reach the State Museum of Georgian Folk Songs and Instruments on Samghebro Street. A typical ride from Freedom Square will cost approximately 5-7 GEL, depending on traffic.

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Discover more about State museum of Georgian folk Songs and Instruments

The State Museum of Georgian Folk Songs and Instruments, located in the heart of Tbilisi's Old Town near the Narikala Fortress, invites visitors on a captivating journey through Georgia's vibrant musical history. Established in 1984, the museum showcases a diverse collection of authentic musical instruments from Georgia and the South Caucasus, alongside European mechanical and classical instruments. The museum's exhibits span three distinct spaces. The first immerses visitors in the world of Georgian folk instruments, including the flute, bagpipes, soinari, panduri, chonguri, changi, chuniri, and chianuri. The second space displays Eastern musical instruments that were once prevalent in multicultural Tbilisi during the 17th and 18th centuries. The third features European instruments, such as an 18th-century English piano, a pump organ, a 200-year-old grand piano, a calliope, and a 17th-century French music box. Beyond the instruments themselves, the museum also houses manuscript notes of Georgian folk music, audio-video recordings, and gramophone records from the early 20th century, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of Georgian musical traditions. Visitors can listen to early recordings of Georgian polyphonic singing, some dating back to 1901. The museum's collection also includes examples of fine and applied art. With a total space of 350 sq meters, including 200 sq meters of exhibition space, the museum provides a delightful experience for music enthusiasts and those interested in cultural history. Knowledgeable guides offer tours that contextualize the instruments with videos and live demonstrations.

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