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The Museum of Books: A Literary Sanctuary in Tbilisi

Discover Georgia's literary treasures at The Museum of Books in Tbilisi, home to rare manuscripts and a celebration of the written word.

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The Museum of Books, established in 2017, is a treasure trove of Georgian and international literature, housed within the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia in Tbilisi. It showcases rare books, manuscripts, and literary artifacts, highlighting Georgia's rich literary history and its contributions to the world of the written word.

A brief summary to The Museum of books

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and have a more intimate experience with the exhibits.
  • Check the museum's schedule for special events or readings, which can enhance your visit.
  • Ask the staff about the history of the museum for an enriching experience.
  • Take your time to explore; the museum's collection is vast, and each piece has its own story.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll around Old Tbilisi to enjoy the local architecture and cafes.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Museum of Books is located in Old Tbilisi, making it easily accessible by foot from many central locations. From Freedom Square, walk southwest along Lado Gudiashvili Street. The museum is located at #5 Lado Gudiashvili St. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Freedom Square, take bus routes 31, 46, 88, or 103. These buses stop near the museum. The cost is 1 GEL, and payment can be made using a MetroMoney card, which can be purchased at any metro station. Alternatively, the subway from Freedom Square to Station Square 1 costs $1.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Tbilisi. Use a ride-hailing app such as Bolt, Maxim, or Yandex Taxi to book a ride. A taxi from Freedom Square to the Museum of Books typically costs between 3-5 GEL. Be sure to negotiate the fare or check the app for an estimated price before starting your journey.

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Discover more about The Museum of books

Located on Lado Gudiashvili Street in the heart of Tbilisi, the Museum of Books is an integral part of the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia. Established in 2017, this literary sanctuary holds a collection of over 10,000 items, connecting visitors to Georgia's written history that dates back to the 5th century. The museum is recognized as one of Europe's finest museums dedicated to the written word. The museum's collection includes the private libraries of notable figures such as Ilia Chavchavadze, Dimitri Bakradze, and Giorgi Chubinashvili, as well as the recently recovered book collections of Grand Duke Michael Nikolaevich Romanov and Brothers Zubalashvili. Among the notable gems are an Italian-Georgian dictionary from 1629, printed in Rome, and the first book printed in the Georgian language. Visitors can also marvel at books from the publishing house established by Georgian King Vakhtang VI in 1675, signifying Georgia's early ventures into the publishing world. The museum comprises four spaces: a museum of rare books, a museum dedicated to "The Knight in the Panther's Skin" (a medieval epic poem by Shota Rustaveli), Ilia's hall (exhibition of Ilia Chavchavadze's cabinet), and the Marie Brosset book depository. The building itself, completed in 1916 as a bank, became part of Georgia's libraries in 1931. The museum not only preserves and promotes Georgia's literary heritage but also hosts a plethora of international literary jewels, including autographed works of global luminaries such as Victor Hugo, Dmitri Mendeleev, and Antoine Renoir.

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