The museum has exhibits from almost every era of Georgian and Caucasian history, from prehistoric to modern times. Artifacts range from medieval jewelry to weapons and present the story of Georgia as a crossroads of civilizations. A highlight is the Museum of Soviet Occupation (an exhibit housed within the museum), which tells the stories of Georgian life under Soviet rule in the 20th century.
Most exhibits have English-language placards, but you can also explore the museum with one of the museum’s guides. Several Tbilisi tour companies include a visit to the museum as part of a guided tour of Tbilisi or combine it with other activities such as wine tasting.
The museum’s admission fee is reduced for students and waived for disabled people.
You can store coats and bags in the museum’s free cloakroom.
There’s a café and bookstore on site.
The Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia is on Rustaveli Avenue, central Tbilisi’s main thoroughfare. It is a 2-minute walk from Liberty Square station on the Tbilisi Metro’s Akhmeteli–Varketili Line. Many sites of interest are within walking distance, including Freedom Square, the Mother of Georgia, and the Bridge of Peace.
The museum is open six days a week from mid-morning until early evening. Like most Georgian museums, it is closed on Mondays. Don’t leave it to the last minute: final entrance tickets are sold 30 minutes before closing time and you’re expected to leave exhibition halls 10 minutes before the museum closes.
Just a 5-minute walk away, the National Gallery (also known as the Blue Gallery) is home to a rich collection of work by Georgia’s most celebrated artists. You can see artworks by Niko Pirosmani, Davit Kakabadze, Iakob Nikoladze, and Lado Gudiashvili, as well as a selection of works by international artists.
