Open Air Museum of Ethnography
Tbilisi
The Giorgi Chitaia Open Air Museum of Ethnography in Tbilisi is a unique cultural institution dedicated to preserving and exhibiting Georgian folk architecture and craftwork. Established in 1966 by the ethnographer Giorgi Chitaia, the museum spans 52 hectares on a hill overlooking the Vake district and Turtle Lake. It features around 70 traditional buildings relocated from all major regions of Georgia, including darbazi-type stone houses from eastern Georgia, wooden houses with gable roofs from western areas, and watchtowers from mountainous provinces like Khevsureti, Pshavi, and Svaneti. Visitors can explore Megrelian and Imeretian maize storages, Kakhetian wineries known as marani, and Kartlian water mills. The museum also houses an early Christian basilica from Tianeti and a 6th-7th century familial burial vault with a sarcophagus. Its extensive collection includes traditional household items such as distaffs, knitting frames, clothes, carpets, pottery, and furniture, offering a comprehensive insight into Georgian ethnography and rural life. Since 2004, the museum hosts the annual Art-Gene folk culture festival, celebrating Georgian music and traditions.
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Tip: The best time to visit the museum is during the warmer months when the open-air exhibits and the annual Art-Gene folk culture festival take place. It is advisable to check the official website or contact the museum in advance for opening hours and special events. Purchasing tickets ahead of time can help avoid queues. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking across the extensive outdoor grounds. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups.
Interesting facts
- •The museum covers 52 hectares and displays around 70 traditional buildings from all main territorial subdivisions of Georgia.
- •It includes an early Christian basilica called 'Sioni' from Tianeti and a 6th-7th century familial burial vault with a sarcophagus.
- •The annual Art-Gene folk culture festival, hosted here since 2004, was founded by Georgian rock musician and folk enthusiast Zaza Korinteli (also known as 'Zumba').
- •The museum exhibits a wide variety of traditional household items such as distaffs, knitting frames, clothes, carpets, pottery, and furniture, reflecting Georgian rural life.
- •The museum's location offers panoramic views over the Vake district and Turtle Lake in Tbilisi.
History
Founded by Georgian ethnographer Giorgi Chitaia on April 27, 1966, the museum was created to preserve and showcase the diverse folk architecture and crafts of Georgia.
Over the decades, it expanded by relocating traditional structures from various Georgian regions onto its 52-hectare site.
In 2004, the museum became part of the Georgian National Museum network, enhancing its administrative and cultural significance.
Since then, it has also become a cultural hub by hosting the annual Art-Gene festival, promoting Georgian folk music and traditions.
Place Guide
Darbazi-type Stone Houses
Traditional stone houses with a flat roof characteristic of eastern Georgia, showcasing regional architectural styles and construction techniques.
Openwork Wooden Houses with Gable Roofs
Wooden houses from western Georgia featuring gable roofs made of straw or boards, reflecting the craftsmanship and building traditions of the region.
Watchtowers from Khevsureti, Pshavi, and Svaneti
Defensive towers from mountainous provinces, historically used for protection and surveillance, emblematic of the rugged highland cultures.
Kakhetian Wineries (Marani)
Traditional wine cellars from the Kakheti region, emphasizing Georgia's ancient winemaking heritage and unique techniques.
Early Christian Sioni Basilica from TianetiEarly medieval period
A reconstructed basilica representing early Christian architecture in Georgia, dating back to the early medieval period.
6th-7th Century Familial Burial Vault with Sarcophagus6th-7th century
An ancient burial site showcasing funerary practices in early medieval Georgia, including a sarcophagus that reflects the period's craftsmanship.
Contact
Phone: 032 272 90 45
