Vani Archeological Museum: Echoes of Ancient Colchis

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Discover ancient treasures from the Kingdom of Colchis at the Vani Archeological Museum in Georgia.

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Vani Archeological Museum

The Vani Archeological Museum, located near the ancient city of Vani in western Georgia, showcases a remarkable collection of artifacts from the Kingdom of Colchis, dating from the 8th century BC to the 1st century AD. The museum's exhibits include gold, silver, and bronze wares, offering insights into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

A brief summary to Vani Archeological Museum

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Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Consider booking a tour in advance to fully appreciate the historical significance of the site.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the archeological site.
Explore the Gold Fund to see exquisite examples of ancient goldsmith work.

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Getting There

Walking

From Vani's bus station on the main roundabout, the museum is approximately a 15-minute walk. Follow Otar Lortkipanidze Street to the museum.
Public Transport

To reach Vani from Kutaisi, take a marshrutka (minibus) from Kutaisi's main bus station (67 Chavchavadze Street). Marshrutkas depart hourly from 7 AM to 1 PM (except 10 AM) and cost around 3 GEL. From the Vani bus station, it's a 15-minute walk to the museum.
Taxi

A taxi from Kutaisi to Vani is estimated to cost around 50 GEL for a return trip. A taxi from Samtredia train station to Vani is approximately 25 km and will take about 30 minutes.

Discover more about Vani Archeological Museum

Nestled on a hill overlooking the Rioni River, the Vani Archeological Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the ancient Kingdom of Colchis. Founded in 1985 by Academician Otar Lortkipanidze, the museum houses over 4,000 items excavated from the Vani archeological site, a multi-layered site with cultural layers spanning from the Iron Age to the Hellenistic era. The museum's collection includes unique examples of gold, silver, and bronze artifacts, as well as numismatic items. A highlight is the Gold Fund, inaugurated in 1987, which displays exquisite examples of ancient goldsmith work. Visitors can explore the permanent exhibition to witness the cultural evolution of Vani from the 6th century BC to the 1st century BC, including bronze sculptures and coins. The museum also features temporary exhibitions that travel both within Georgia and internationally. The ancient city of Vani, where the museum is located, was a significant religious center of the Colchis Kingdom from the 8th to the 1st centuries BC. The site is divided into three terraces, protected by deep ravines. Archaeological excavations have revealed remains of monumental architecture, opulent burials and temple areas.