Museum of Ethnography
I was 6 years old when my mom took me to this place and since then, this is one of my favorite places. If someone would ask me what is the best way to learn more about Georgian culture and traditions, I would definitely recommend visiting the Museum of Ethnography in the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi. This is the place, that worth for visit for a few reasons. In this open-air museum, visitors can enjoy the fascinating views over the city, breath fresh air, eat traditional Georgian food and shop traditional handmade clothing. But the main reason why I would recommend this place to others is it’s cultural, architectural and gastronomic value.
The museum of Ethnography isn’t located far from Tbilisi center and it’s very easy for tourists to reach. After 15 minutes bus ride, visitors will explore very large but very peaceful environment. In one place, people can explore a very old and unique culture of this country. There are exhibits of traditional Georgian dance clothing, traditional musical instruments, and paintings. The most interesting exhibits are near the entrance, where the traditional furnishings, rugs, and utensils take place. And the attendants can often answer tourist’s questions in English, they are very friendly and kind. It’s very, interesting to see the educational sites with blacksmith, pottery, and archaeology for kids. During summer, several events take place like flea markets, folk festivals and open-air concerts. Flea markets are my favorite and I always buy some handmade scarfs, hats, and jewelry here. Prices are very affordable and the quality is good. At this time, tourists can explore and enjoy traditional Georgian culture and become part of it. It’s a great place to spend time with friends and family.
This museum is the best place for people who are interested in architecture. Visitors will explore very old, authentic buildings from the different parts and different times of Georgian history. Most of them are wooden houses. Generally, visitors can see every corner of Georgia in one place. This museum displays numerous different houses from Georgian villages, which gives visitors another aspect of Georgia’s history. These houses are furnished in the traditional way. There are a lot of typical fascinating tools used by Georgian people in 19th- 20th centuries. These houses have their own display of costumes, ceramics and other items from daily life. Each house has a guide and most of them speak in English. They share many interesting stories about Georgian household, hospitality and history of the houses to the tourists.
Besides the traditions and culture, this museum is a great place to make and taste Georgian wine. This country has one of the longest traditions of wine-making. In the houses, represented in museum, visitors will find old wine-making equipment, like Qvevri. There is a Kakhetian winery, which is very famous for its wine-making. During the fall season, they can even participate in wine-making process. During open-air concerts and folk festivals, there are a lot of food serving places and every time I visit this place, I always enjoy eating Georgian traditional Khachapuri or Mtsvadi.
The museum gives tourists and visitors a very clear impression of what Georgian villages look like, even though they had no chance to visit the country site. It’s a perfect place to know more about this country’s history and anthropology. The reconstructions are excellent and getting around the museum is very comfortable. As I have been visited this place a few times, I totally recommend it for others and especially, tourists. It is a really fascinating place with a lot of fun and joy. It costs around $2, and it will probably take all day to see everything. But from my experience, this place worth to visit.
