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Tbilisi History Museum: Echoes of the Silk Road

Explore Tbilisi's captivating history, from ancient Silk Road hub to modern capital, within a beautifully restored caravanserai.

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Housed in a restored 17th-century caravanserai, the Tbilisi History Museum showcases the city's rich past from the 4th millennium BCE to modern times. Explore over 50,000 artifacts, including archaeological finds, ethnographic materials, and a captivating photo collection, revealing Tbilisi's role as a vital Silk Road trading hub.

A brief summary to Tbilisi History Museum

  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on any day except Monday, when the museum is closed.
  • Explore the basement level to discover handicraft shops, the Wine Museum, and the Museum of Georgian Weapons.
  • Allow at least one to two hours to fully explore the museum's extensive collection.
  • Check for temporary exhibitions of Georgian and foreign artists on the upper floors.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Tbilisi History Museum is located in the heart of Old Tbilisi on Sioni Street, a short walk from Freedom Square. From Freedom Square, walk north towards the Sioni Cathedral. The museum is located next to the cathedral in a restored caravanserai. Walking from most points in Old Tbilisi will take 5-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The closest metro station to the Tbilisi History Museum is Freedom Square. From Freedom Square, walk north towards the Sioni Cathedral. The museum is located next to the cathedral. Tbilisi's public transport system uses a rechargeable card called a Travel Card, which costs 2 GEL. A single ride on the metro or bus costs 1 GEL and is valid for 90 minutes with unlimited transfers. You can purchase a day pass for 3 GEL.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Tbilisi. Use a ride-hailing app such as Bolt or Yandex Taxi to book a taxi. A short taxi ride from most locations in central Tbilisi to the Tbilisi History Museum should cost no more than 5-10 GEL. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Tbilisi History Museum

The Tbilisi History Museum, also known as the Ioseb Grishashvili Tbilisi History Museum, offers a captivating journey through the city's evolution. Located in a beautifully restored caravanserai on Sioni Street, the museum's building itself is a testament to Tbilisi's historical significance as a Silk Road trading post. Originally built in the 17th century and later rebuilt in the early 1800s, the caravanserai provided lodging for travelers and merchants traversing Eurasia. The museum's collection comprises over 50,000 artifacts, reflecting Tbilisi's history from the end of the 4th millennium BCE to the present day. Exhibits include archaeological finds, ethnological and archival materials, and pieces of national and applied arts, offering insights into the city's cultural heritage. Visitors can explore models of old houses, ceramics, musical instruments, ancient manuscripts, coins, jewelry, and traditional clothing. The museum's exhibits vividly recreate Tbilisi's 19th-century atmosphere, highlighting the influence of Middle Eastern culture. Life-size dioramas depict facades of restaurants, bars, and carpet stores, while other displays recreate common spaces like teahouses adorned with smoking implements and rugs. The museum also features contemporary works by Georgian and foreign artists. Beyond the main exhibits, the caravanserai houses other attractions, including handicraft shops, the Tbilisi Wine Museum, and the Museum of Georgian Weapons. The Tbilisi History Museum provides a comprehensive overview of the city's past, solidifying its importance as a commercial and cultural crossroads.

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