The Adjara Art Museum, often referred to as the National Museum of Adjara, the Museum of Arts, or the Museum of Fine Arts, is housed in a building constructed in the late 1940s. The renowned Georgian architect Kaha Javakhishvili designed the structure, while the sculptor Tamara Abakelia created the intricate relief frieze that adorns its façade. During the Soviet era, the museum served as a repository for revolutionary artifacts, but in 1998, it was transformed into the National Museum. Today, it stands as a pivotal center for Georgian culture, showcasing masterpieces of ancient art alongside works by contemporary artists.
Visitors frequently comment that although the collection at the National Museum of Adjara is modest in size, it is exceptionally diverse and captivating. The intimate setting and limited number of artworks allow guests to spend more time contemplating each piece and reflecting on the ideas of various authors, as noted by many travelers. Consequently, most tourists highly recommend visiting the museum, despite typically spending only a short time exploring its collections.
The exhibition space of the National Museum of Adjara spans 423 square meters, with an additional 383 square meters allocated for temporary exhibitions.
The museum’s collection comprises approximately 500 items, including paintings, graphic works, decorative and applied arts, ceramics, glass, woodwork, sculptures, and tapestries, with the majority created by Georgian artists. The permanent exhibition is located on the second floor and is organized into several thematic sections:
Each theme is housed in its own distinctive gallery. The Ancient Georgian Art section features the exquisite enamels of the Khakhuli Triptych, which includes a central icon of the Virgin Mary. Among the museum’s pride and joy are works by Nikoloz Pirosmani, notably the painting “Woman Milking a Cow,” as well as several pieces by Lado Gudiashvili, David Kakabadze, and other distinguished artists. These works are regarded as treasures, representing the high significance of these artists in Georgian culture, as they embody the essence of national art.
The collection of Russian realism and marinism from the 20th century also piques the interest of many visitors. While the representation of Western European artists is limited, it still adds to the museum’s rich tapestry of artistic heritage.
On the first floor, temporary exhibitions frequently showcase the works of contemporary artists, sculptors, and architects from Georgia and beyond. Visitors can stay informed about upcoming events and exhibitions by checking the Adjara Art Museum’s page on the official website of the museums of Adjara.
Guests also appreciate the preserved interior from the past century, featuring a grand staircase and the striking architecture of the National Museum of Adjara. Surrounding the museum is a charming park adorned with fountains and various sculptures, providing a delightful area to explore after visiting the museum.
Conveniently located in the city center, the museum sits on one of the main streets parallel to the seaside and Rustaveli Street. Its exact address is 8 Zurab Gorgiladze Street.