Akhalsheni Museum: History and Ethnography of Georgia

Just 6-7 kilometers from Batumi, in the picturesque village of Akhalsheni, there is one of the oldest ethnographic museums in Adjara. The Akhalsheni Historical and Ethnographic Museum is a place where unique artifacts are collected that tell about the life, work and traditions of the region's inhabitants.

The museum was founded in 1969 and since then has experienced difficult periods more than once, but thanks to the efforts of local enthusiasts, it continues its work today. The exhibition includes more than a hundred exhibits, including household items, tools, coins, old photographs and archaeological finds.

What is the story behind the creation of the museum? What rare exhibits can be seen here? Let's find out!

History of the creation of the museum

1. The founding of the museum and the early years

The Akhalsheni Museum was founded in 1969 by chief agronomist Noshrevan Dubadze, who spent his entire life collecting ethnographic and historical artifacts related to the region.

Initially, the museum was called the People's Museum and was located in the building of the Akhalsheni House of Culture. Its collection included:

🔹 Household items - ceramic and copper utensils, antique carpets, national clothing.

🔹 Tools - agricultural tools, weaving machines, blacksmith products.

🔹 Coins - a collection reflecting Adjara's trade relations with various countries.

2. The period of changes (1976–2000s)

🕰 From 1976 to 1980, the museum was headed by Shakro Surmanidze, one of the famous residents of Akhalsheni. Under his management, the museum collection was replenished with new finds.

❗ In the 1980s and 1990s, the museum faced serious difficulties – some of the exhibits were lost, and the museum’s activities almost ceased.

🔄 However, thanks to the efforts of the Dubadze family (Noshrevan and his son Guram), the museum was restored, moved to a new building and continued its work.


3. The current stage of development

📅 In 2007, the museum became part of the Khelvachauri Cultural Center and received a new name - Akhalshe Historical and Ethnographic Museum.

Today, the museum is developing and continues to collect new exhibits, presenting visitors with the rich history and traditions of the region.

Museum exhibition: what can you see?

• Ethnographic collection

🏺 Antique dishes – clay, copper and silver items used in everyday life.

🧵 Clothing and textiles – national costumes, embroidery, headdresses, carpets.

🔨 Tools – plows, sickles, blacksmith tools and weaving machines.

• Archaeological finds and historical artifacts

Coins and banknotes - found during excavations in Adjara, reflecting the region's trade routes.

📜 Historical documents and manuscripts - archival materials related to the past of Akhalsheni.

⚔ Military artifacts - weapons and protective equipment of Georgian warriors.

• Photos and art

Archival photos – photos from the 19th–20th centuries that captured life in the region.

🎨 Paintings and decorative items – works of art, wood carvings, traditional Georgian ornaments.

Practical information for tourists

📍 Address: Akhalsheni village, Khelvachauri municipality, Adjara, Georgia
📞 Contact numbers:

• +995 593 754 600
• +995 577 304 584

📧 Email: [email protected]

🕒 Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00 (Monday – day off)

💰 Entrance: free
🚗 How to get there:

• By private car (~15 minutes drive from Batumi)
• By minibus or bus to Akhalsheni

Akhalsheni Historical and Ethnographic Museum is a unique place where you can immerse yourself in the past of Adjara.

📌 It contains rare ethnographic and historical exhibits that tell about the life of the region in different eras. If you want to learn more about the culture and traditions of Georgian villages, be sure to visit this museum!

🌿 A trip to Akhalsheni is not only an introduction to history, but also an opportunity to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of mountainous Adjara!

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