Where Giorgi Leonidze lived. House-Museum of Giorgi Leonidze.

Address: Sagarejo district, village of Patardzeuli

The museum is located in the poet's native house. The main part of the museum's collection is represented by memorial items of Georgiy Leonidze and his family: ethnographic materials, examples of applied art and painting, documents.

Poet and public figure Georgiy Leonidze was born on December 27, 1899 in the village of Patardzeuli. His father, Niko Leonidze, was also a famous public figure, teacher, and friend of Vazha-Pshavela.

Georgiy Leonidze's first poem "Mtskheta" was published in his youth (1911, newspaper "Sinatle"). A year later, he dedicated the poem to Vazha-Pshavela, who responded to the poet with a poem (1912, published in the newspaper "Ganatleba"). In 1922-1923 he edited the weekly literary newspaper "Bakhtrioni", of the literary movement "Blue Horns". Georgy Leonidze's book "The Tree of Desire" gained particular popularity, and in 1976 the film of the same name (directed by Tengiz Abuladze) received more than one international award.

Giorgi Leonidze was a researcher and publisher of Georgian literature, especially ancient Georgian literature. In the 1930s, on his initiative, the Writers' Museum was founded on Mtatsminda, which was later transformed into the State Literary Museum of Georgia (currently the museum is named after Giorgi Leonidze).

He founded the Ilia Chavchavadze Museum in Saguramo, Lesya Ukrainka House Museum в Surami, as well as the almanacs "Literary Heritage" and "Literary Chronicle". In 1951-1953 he headed the Union of Writers of Georgia. Giorgi Leonidze published "On the Wisdom of Lies" by Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani (1928) with relevant comments and studies, "Didmouraviani" by Tbileli (1939), etc. Leonidze is the author of studies of "The Knight in the Panther's Skin", the works of Vakhtang VI, David Guramishvili, Besiki, Sayat-Nova, Antimoz Iversky, A. Kazbegi, I. Chavchavadze, A. Tsereteli, Vazha-Pshavela and others.

State Museum of Georgian Literature named after Giorgi Leonidze is not just a museum, it is history preserved in its exhibits. It was founded in 1929, and since then has become one of the main cultural centers of Georgia. It houses not only the works of famous writers, but also their personal belongings, portraits, letters, manuscripts, as well as collections of paintings and graphics.

One of the most unique exhibits of the museum is the first edition of the "Book of Praise to the Georgian People" of the 17th century, which is also called the "Khatia-Sophia Codex". This is the only handwritten monument that has survived to this day, describing the life and culture of Georgia in the Middle Ages.

In addition, the museum is home to many famous Georgian writers, such as Vazha-Pshavela, Galina Starovoitova, Konstantin Gabashvili and others. Their manuscripts and personal belongings are also kept in the museum. In 2014, the museum opened an exhibition "Dedication to Shota Rustaveli", dedicated to the main epic of Georgian literature "The Knight in the Panther's Skin". Drawings and engravings based on this work are presented here.

The museum actively holds exhibitions and events that allow visitors to get to know Georgian culture and literature better. In 2018, an exhibition "100th Anniversary of the Birth of Joseph Brodsky" was held, which presented his drawings and photographs.

The Giorgi Leonidze State Museum of Georgian Literature is not just a museum, it is a part of the cultural heritage of Georgia, which is preserved and preserved for future generations. The museum is open to visitors every day except Monday.

Admission to the museum is free for all visitors. However, for those who want to delve deeper into the history of Georgian literature, the museum provides the opportunity to book a tour with a professional guide. You can also book a special thematic tour dedicated to the work of a particular writer or literary movement. The Giorgi Leonidze State Museum of Georgian Literature is not only a place for studying the literary heritage of Georgia, but also a venue for cultural events. Lectures, conferences, literary evenings, exhibitions, as well as events for children and youth are regularly held here.

One of the most vibrant and anticipated cultural events held at the museum is the International Festival of Literature and Art "Georgia, Georgia!", which has been held annually since 2013. As part of the festival, guests are invited to get acquainted with modern Georgian literature and art, attend master classes and exhibitions, and meet famous Georgian writers and artists.

Despite its rich history and a rich program of events, the Giorgi Leonidze State Museum of Georgian Literature continues to develop and update itself. In 2018, the museum underwent restoration, during which work was carried out to restore the facade and interior of the building, and the expositions were updated. Thanks to this, the museum was able to preserve its unique character and become even more attractive to tourists and literature lovers.

--------------------------

We hope that you found this article interesting and informative. If you have any comments, feedback or questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. We always welcome feedback from our readers and are ready to answer all your questions.