Giorgi Chitaia Open Air Museum of Ethnography

I had the opportunity to visit the museum in June 2025. It is an incredibly beautiful place – a wonderful museum with a rich exhibition that includes traditional houses brought from various regions. It was very interesting to learn about everything from the knowledgeable and competent staff. But what impressed me even more were the masterclass sessions for children. I happened to observe a Xylography and Linocut class. The children were creating xylography prints with their own hands. They were deeply engaged and focused. One group of children was replaced by another, and this continued multiple times. All participants also received a gift – one or even several original prints made and signed by the workshop instructor, Georgi Akhvlediani, which they chose and printed themselves. I became interested in the workshop as well, created my own print, and received Georgi Akhvlediani’s signature on it. That print is now framed and hanging in my home, reminding me of your beautiful country – Sakartvelo (Georgia). I truly hope that when I visit your museum again next year, I will have the chance to take part in another Xylography and Linocut masterclass. Thank you so much for offering such wonderful experiences!

To get to know the nation the best - one should visit the etnographic museum. Moreover when it's open air museum with real houses collected throughout the villages or donated to the museum. First time we came across such a format of a museum and I can assure this is a great idea. It gives you much more ideas of the way the people from different regions have been developing thus consolidating as one nation. The houses where the guides were present and gave more insights about the dwellings, habits were much more informative, however there were at most 5 guides we were lucky to encounter. Mostly the houses were locked and you could only see the exterior. However that was still good thing to do. The adult ticket is 25 GEL. When you buy the ticket they offer you additional service for 15 more GEL - of giving you a ride with the small electric car. We didnt take it, but in fact if this helps to open all the houses this would be not bad thing to do.

Huge space with minimal signs but it’s an enjoyable walk all the same. You can see about 70 or so establishments, some of them will be open with very friendly and informative guides stationed inside, 25 GEL for a tourist ticket. Budget around 2-3 hours to check out the place in its entirety.

Nice place to walk and spend à couple hours. Interesting house, the few with people in were more interesting. The vise of Tbilisi from the Clifford where the museum is located is worth a visit in itself.

Guides were in a few of the houses. They were very helpful and informative. Many buildings weren't open. An interesting visit despite only a few houses being open. We visited on a Tuesday 2 September and perhaps more buildings would be open at the weekend.

The open-air museum is just a short taxi ride away and offers a fascinating glimpse into the roots of early Georgian life. Most traditional houses have dedicated guides, which is impressive, and the visit provides a peaceful break from the city — like stepping back in time.

It’s amazing! It feels like visiting your relatives in the village — except it’s right in the center of the city. At some point, you even forget that it’s a museum and just enjoy the beautiful nature. The only downside was the price difference between citizens and tourists (8 vs 25). Even though I have a permanent residence, the lady at the ticket office yelled at me, which was disappointing.

What a great introduction to the different regions of Georgia and their histories! You wander about and it’s like trick-or-treating for knowledge! As you meander each staff member beckons you to walk into their house and then proceeds to explain what life was like for people living there from that time period. The workers are so passionate and love meeting visitors. Some speak better English than others but all do speak English. You could easily spend 3-4 hours there, indeed we spent more time than we initially planned there was so much to learn and see. We did this day 1 of our trip to Georgia and I’m so glad we did!