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Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography: A Journey Through Georgia's Heritage

Explore Georgia's diverse cultural heritage at this open-air museum featuring traditional architecture and artifacts from various regions and historical periods.

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The Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography, founded in 1966, showcases Georgia's diverse cultural heritage through traditional architecture and artifacts. Spanning over 52 hectares near Turtle Lake, the museum features houses, workshops, and other structures representing various regions and historical periods of Georgia. Visitors can explore the unique buildings and immerse themselves in the daily life of Georgians from different eras.

A brief summary to Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography

  • 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

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the museum covers a large area with varying terrain.
  • Visit during spring or autumn for pleasant weather and colorful scenery.
  • Check for special events or festivals, such as the Art-Gene festival, for a more immersive experience.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are limited options for refreshments inside the museum.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Rustaveli metro station, take bus #59 towards Vake. Get off at the last stop and either walk for 30 minutes or take a taxi for approximately 3-4 GEL. Alternatively, take the subway to Delisi station, then walk to Tamarashvili Street and take bus #301 to Tsereteli Street; from there, walk to the museum. The bus and metro fare is 1 GEL.

  • Cable Car

    Take the cable car from Chavchavadze Avenue to Turtle Lake. From Turtle Lake, walk downhill to the Ethnographic Museum. The cable car fare is 2 GEL.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from central Tbilisi to the Open Air Museum of Ethnography takes approximately 12 minutes and costs between $3-4 (6-8 GEL).

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Discover more about Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography

Nestled on a hill overlooking Tbilisi's Vake district, the Open Air Museum of Ethnography offers a captivating glimpse into Georgia's rich cultural tapestry. Founded by Giorgi Chitaia in 1966, the museum sprawls across 52 hectares and features over 70 buildings and 8,000 artifacts representing the country's diverse regions and historical periods. The museum is organized into eleven zones, each showcasing the unique architecture, crafts, and traditions of a specific Georgian region. Visitors can explore traditional darbazi-style homes from eastern Georgia, wooden houses from western Georgia, and watchtowers from mountainous provinces like Svaneti. The exhibits include furnished homes with traditional rugs, utensils and clothing, as well as functional structures like wineries, water mills and artisan workshops. Highlights include the reconstruction of an ancient Georgian dwelling called a “darbazi”, which served as a refuge during invasions. The museum also features an early Christian basilica and a 6th-7th century familial burial vault. Since 2004, the museum has hosted the annual Art-Gene festival, celebrating Georgian folk culture. A visit to the Open Air Museum provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and appreciate the unique heritage of Georgia.

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