Gardabani Museum of Local History named after Ivane Javakhishvili: Archaeology, history of Kukheti and unique exhibits of Georgia

Dive into the history of Georgia! The museum in Gardabani, founded in 1990, tells about the Stone Age, Bronze Age and the Middle Ages through unique archaeological exhibits. Free admission, exciting excursions and much more - plan your visit now!


If you want to touch the centuries-old history of Georgia, learn about the life and traditions of the Kukheti region and enjoy unique exhibits, the Ivane Javakhishvili Museum is a must-see on your trip! Here you can not only see artifacts, but also feel the spirit of the times through tools, historical monuments and folk culture. 🏺

📖 What will you learn from the article?

  • 🏛️ The history of the museum and its importance in the cultural life of the region.
  • 🧭 What archaeological finds can be seen in the museum.
  • 🎨 A collection including artifacts from the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Antiquity.
  • 💡 Educational programs and thematic exhibitions.
  • 🗺️ How to get to the museum and when is the best time to visit it.
  • 📝 Answers to popular questions and reviews from tourists.

📋 Quick reference

📍Address: Gardabani municipality, st. David Agmashenebeli, 61, Gardabani
📅Date of foundation: 1990
🏛️Type of museum: Historical
📦Exhibits: 2000 items
📚Expositions: "Historical Kukheti", "Archaeological excavations in Kukheti", "Georgian folk musical instruments"
🕒Working hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00, except Monday
💰Cost: free

Краеведческий музей в Гардабани - 02.jpg

🏛️ Gardabani Museum: Dive into the Archaeological History of Kukheti 🏺🔍

The Gardabani Museum of Local History named after Ivane Javakhishvili is a real treasure trove of the ancient history of Kakheti. The museum, founded in 1990 in honor of the outstanding Georgian historian, is located in the heart of Gardabani and is an important part of the cultural heritage of the region.

🏺 What does the collection include?

The museum houses objects found in the Gardabani region (historical Kukheti) during archaeological excavations. The collection covers several historical periods:

  • Stone and Bronze Ages: Collections of tools and weapons.
  • Antiquity: Antique ceramics, silver and copper utensils.
  • Middle Ages: Craft tools, folk clothing, accessories.
  • Archaeological excavations: Unique artifacts illustrating the lives of people from different historical periods.
Исторический музей в Гардабани
Исторический музей в Гардабани
Исторический музей в Гардабани

📚 Unique exhibitions

  • 🏺 Historical Kukheti: immersion into the region's past through artifacts and cultural heritage
  • 🏛️ Archaeological excavations in Kukheti: Stone Age, Bronze Age and Middle Ages
  • 🎶 Georgian folk musical instruments from the museum's collection
  • 🏗️ Young archaeologists: a program for schoolchildren and youth.

Исторический музей в Гардабани
Исторический музей в Гардабани
Исторический музей в Гардабани
Краеведческий музей в Гардабани - 05.jpg
Краеведческий музей в Гардабани - 04.jpg
Краеведческий музей в Гардабани - 03.jpg

🎓 Educational programs

  • "Let's learn the history of our region": A program for children and adults that helps to understand the culture and traditions of Georgia.
  • "Lesson in the Museum": Educational excursions that introduce ancient civilizations and archaeological finds of the region.

🗣️ What tourists say

🇬🇪 Levan, Tbilisi: "A very warm place! Lots of interesting information about the history of wine. Excellent service and gorgeous views."
🇷🇺 Elena, Moscow: "The tasting was wonderful, the tour was informative. It is obvious that the team works with soul."
🇫🇷 Anne, Paris: "A real discovery! Wines from qvevri, a walk in the garden and a sincere atmosphere. I really liked it."
🇩🇪 Thomas, Berlin: "The exhibition is interesting and the staff tells stories with love. A great place for the whole family."

📍 How to get there

🚗 By car:
Gardabani is located 40 km southeast of Tbilisi, making the museum accessible for day trips from the capital, and from the capital it can be reached in about 1 hour along a scenic road.

🚌 By public transport:
You can get to Sighnaghi or Telavi by bus or minibus, and then take a taxi.

🚶 On foot:
If you are in the outskirts of the city, the museum can be easily found on foot, it is located in the very center of Gardabani.

📅 Best time to visit:
Spring and autumn are ideal for traveling, the weather is comfortable and nature is in bloom. It is hot in summer, and cool and humid in winter.

📍 GPS coordinates: 41.463011, 45.088946

Where to spend the night?🛏️

Gardabani is a small town, so the choice of accommodation is limited. However, for a comfortable stay you will find:

  • Mini-hotels are a good option for those who are looking for comfort and quality.
  • Guest houses 🏡 are cozy and affordable, with the opportunity to communicate with locals.
  • Hostels and budget accommodation 🛏️ are for travelers on a budget.
  • Private apartments 🏠 are for those who prefer more privacy.

Where to have a snack in Gardabani? 🍽️

  • Traditional Georgian restaurants 🥘 — try khinkali, khachapuri and shashlik.
  • Cafes and snack bars 🍕 — for a quick snack or a cup of coffee.
  • Wineries🍇🍷 — here you can try local wines and enjoy tastings.
  • Local cafes 🍲 — home cooking and an authentic atmosphere for those who want to feel the Georgian flavor.
Plan your time so that you can enjoy both relaxation and delicious food in this picturesque corner of Georgia! 🌟

🧭 Time of visit

We recommend allocating 1.5–2 hours to view all exhibits.

📅 Reservations

For group visits and excursions, we recommend contacting the museum in advance.

👟 Clothing

Comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking.

📸 Photos

Permitted for personal use.

🧳 Useful information

There are historical monuments, natural areas and wineries in the vicinity of Gardabani.

🎁 Souvenirs

The museum offers themed souvenirs reflecting the culture and history of the region.

Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the region!

🎉 Gardabani Historical Museum is not just a place where artifacts are kept, it is a space where each find tells its own unique story. Historical exhibits, archaeological discoveries and vibrant cultural traditions - all this creates a unique atmosphere. Be sure to visit this museum and feel the connection with the past of Kukheti! 🏺

🗣️ Your advice can help others!

Share your impressions! Your tips and reviews will help others find interesting places! 🌍

ℹ️ Relevance of information: All information in the article — opening hours, cost and other details — is current at the time of publication. If you notice any inaccuracies or updates, please write to us. We will promptly make changes and will be grateful for your help! ✉️

🗣️ Frequently asked questions

❓ What is the entrance fee?
Entrance to the museum is free. If you wish, you can leave a donation.

❓ How to get there?
By car: about 30 minutes from Tbilisi. Public transport: to Sighnaghi or Telavi, then taxi.

❓Can I take photos in the museum?
Yes, photos and videos are allowed for personal use.

❓Are there any excursions?
Yes, excursions are available by appointment.

❓When is the best time to visit the museum?
The best time to visit is spring and autumn, when the weather is comfortable for walking and viewing the exhibits.

❓Can I come with children?
Yes, the museum is great for family visits.


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17 comments

  • ავტე
    ნამდვილად დააკმაყოფილებს იქ ყოფნის სურვილს ისტორიის მოყვარულებს, თუმცა ცოტა გაურკვეველია, რატომაა საჭირო შესვლა მხოლოდ 1,5–2 საათით. არის თუ არა ეს რაიმე ვიზიტის სპეციფიკური რეგულაცია, უკეთესად რომ გააგრძელოს ტურისტების ნაკადი, თუ უბრალოდ რეკომენდაციაა? ასევე, დარწმუნებული ვარ, ნახვების რაოდენობა და სიმდიდრე გაცილებით მეტ დროს მოითხოვს. იქნებ ცოტა უფრო მეტი განიმარტოთ ამ ნაწილზე.
  • Д
    Денис
    Посещение краеведческого музея в Гардабани стало настоящим открытием. Экспозиция богата археологическими находками, а экспонаты позволяют глубже понять культуру региона Кухети. Особенно понравилась античная керамика и традиционные музыкальные инструменты. Оценил и удобство бесплатного входа, хотя пожертвования — отличная идея для поддержки музея. Планирую вернуться весной, когда не будет жарко, и посоветую это место друзьям.
  • Q
    quintinperez1969
    Is it accurate to say that the museum is 40 km from Tbilisi and it takes about an hour by car? That seems like quite a bit of time for such a distance. Could traffic be a factor here?
  • სოფია
    გარდაბნის სახვითი მუზეუმი ნამდვილად უნიკალური ადგილია კახეთის ისტორიაში უცნობი საიდუმლოების გასაცნობად. აქ არსებულ არქეოლოგიურ ნიმუშებსა და ეთნოგრაფიულ კოლექციებს შეუძლიათ წარსულის ჯადოსნური თავგადასავლენით გატაცება. განსაკუთრებით საინტერესოა მუზეუმის საგანმანათლებლო პროგრამები ბავშვებისთვის და ინტერაქტიული ტურები. გამგზავრება თბილისიდან მხოლოდ ერთი საათი გრძელდება, რაც ახალ შთაბეჭდილებების შესაძენად იდეალურია.
  • D
    Dara
    The museum sounds like a wonderful place to explore! I'm especially interested in the interactive tours and educational programs for kids. My family loves discovering new cultural and historical places, and since the entry is free, it's perfect for us. I'm planning to visit in the spring for the comfortable weather. Thanks for sharing this detailed information.
  • И
    Инна
    Посетила этот музей с семьёй в прошлом месяце. Понравилось, как живо и интересно рассказывают об истории региона. Особенно впечатлили археологические находки и традиционные музыкальные инструменты. А возможность сделать фотографии — приятный бонус. Выделите время на поездку из Тбилиси, она того стоит, особенно в солнечный осенний день.
  • А
    Анюта
    Посетила краеведческий музей в Гардабани и была впечатлена богатством экспозиции. Археологические находки открывают двери в прошлое, а традиционная одежда и аксессуары позволяют прикоснуться к уникальной культуре региона. Особенно понравились народные музыкальные инструменты — их звучание в залах музея создает особую атмосферу. Отличное место для семейного отдыха, особенно если интересуетесь историей и культурой!
  • E
    elianaj
    Is it accurate that the museum is located on Davida Aghmashenebeli Street? I recall another museum also being there. Just making sure I’ve got the right place in mind before planning my visit.
  • მარიამი
    დაინტერესებული ვარ, ნამდვილად უფასოა მუზეუმის შესვლა? ბევრი სხვა მუზეუმი, რომელსაც ვეწვიე, ბოლო დროს ფასიანი გახდა. ასევე მაინტერესებს, არიან თუ არა გიდები, რომლებმაც უფრო დეტალურად შეიძლება გამაცნონ ექსპონატები. ეს ინფორმაცია დამეხმარებოდა ვიზიტის უკეთ დაგეგმვაში.
  • R
    rostikcool
    Посетил краеведческий музей в Гардабани и остался под впечатлением от богатства экспозиции. Особенно запомнились археологические находки и античная керамика. Радует, что вход бесплатный – отличная возможность погрузиться в историю региона без лишних затрат. Общая атмосфера очень уютная, а сотрудники музея всегда готовы помочь и рассказать больше о представленных экспонатах. Рекомендую посетить в весенние или осенние месяцы.
  • S
    Sema
    Is there any guided tour available in English at the museum, especially for those interested in the archaeological exhibits? Also, is there any specific day or time when it's less crowded, considering the museum's proximity to Tbilisi?
  • ნინო
    ფოტოგრაფებისთვის იდეალური ადგილია, სადაც არა მარტო ქვეკეთისა და რეგიონის მდიდარ ისტორიაში შესვლა, არამედ გამორჩეული არტიფაქტების გადაღება შეგიძლია.
  • В
    Владислав
    Посещал краеведческий музей в Гардабани прошлой весной и был поражён богатством его коллекции. Артефакты из каменного и бронзового веков захватывают дух. Особенно впечатлила античная керамика. Музей создаёт полное погружение в историю региона, благодаря чему начинаешь лучше понимать культуру и традиции Кухети. Проводят интересные интерактивные экскурсии, которые подходят даже для детей. Удобно, что вход бесплатный, но рекомендую оставить пожертвование. Без английского языка тоже не пропадёте — сотрудники достаточно открыты к общению.
  • Ю
    Юля
    Интересно, какие именно образовательные программы для школьников предлагает музей?
  • D
    Demi
    I'm curious whether the museum provides any information or resources in English for visitors who might not be familiar with the local language? Also, are the educational programs and interactive tours available only for schoolchildren, or can adults join as well?
  • M
    Mason
    Could anyone inform me if the museum provides guided tours in English? I'm planning a visit and want to make the most out of the experience.
  • მაკა
    მაინტერესებს, ორგანიზატორები გარკვეულ ექსპოზიციებზე დამატებით ინფორმაციას თუ მოგაწვდიან? მოსწავლეებისთვის რომელი საგანმანათლებლო პროგრამები არის ყველაზე საინტერესო? მადლობა წინასწარ პასუხისთვის.