The “Bordjghalo” Ethnographic Museum is the first private museum in Georgia, inaugurated in 2016 in a quaint settlement near Batumi, thanks to the initiative of local resident Kemal Turmanidze. Spanning an impressive 3,000 square meters, this museum offers a miniature replica of a traditional village, complete with buildings, household items, and tools representative of the crafts typical of the southwestern region of Georgia—Adjara. It serves as a portal into the rich atmosphere and history of the country. The museum’s exhibits are striking in their realism, captivating both adult and young visitors alike. Children particularly enjoy wandering among the small structures, examining mannequins dressed in period clothing and exploring interiors that echo the past.
Despite its relatively young age, the museum has garnered numerous awards and has showcased its exhibits in the United States, Australia, and various European countries. The museum grounds are enclosed by a stone wall, within which wooden houses display the exhibits, connected by pathways lined with lush lawns and meticulously trimmed hedges. Among its features is an artificial fountain named “Waterfall,” standing nine meters tall. Nearby, taxidermied animals appear to have gathered for a drink, while a small sapling emerges from an old stump, symbolically titled “New Growth from Old.”
The museum presents several sectors of traditional Georgian economy commonly found in rural settlements, including:
Among the exhibits are:
The museum features 30 small houses inhabited by mannequins in national attire, each seemingly frozen in their daily activities: a grandmother sifting grain with her grandchildren, a young woman seated with a small child, a man engaged in craftsmanship, and children learning to read.
Behind the residential houses, several workshops can be found—one dedicated to crafting jewelry and another to creating traditional Georgian musical instruments. The museum also houses ancient artifacts over a century old, including a gravestone with Arabic inscriptions dating back to the 18th-19th centuries and a carved wooden table from the 19th century.
Additionally, the Ethnographic Museum boasts two galleries:
Most of the exhibits were meticulously crafted by the museum’s founder and passionate artisan, Kemal Turmanidze. Born in the Keda region of Adjara in the village of Namonastrevi, he grew up in a large family where carpentry was the primary occupation. From a young age, Kemal developed a love for drawing and creating models and toys. As he matured, he inspired others with his creativity, founding and leading a woodworking club at the Keda Pioneer House. During this time, he nurtured a dream of opening a museum.
Later, he was invited to work as a restorer at the Batumi Local History Museum, where he was provided with a dedicated workshop. Many of the exhibits—model buildings, furniture, utensils, and more—were crafted during his time there. Eventually, these creations were assembled into groups and compositions that now populate the museum grounds.
Visitors often remark on the warmth and hospitality of the museum staff, experiencing a palpable love for their homeland. Kemal and his daughter Tatia personally conduct tours for guests, speaking fluent Russian. Hearing the stories behind the exhibits directly from the artisan himself adds a special dimension to the experience. Notably, many of the mannequins in the Bordjghalo Museum have real-life prototypes—actual individuals who lived in Kemal’s native village.
The thoughtfully arranged indoor and outdoor spaces, enclosed by a high stone wall reminiscent of a medieval fortress, allow for visits to the ethnographic museum in any weather and at any time of year.
A visit to this museum is an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in the traditions of Georgia, explore the cultural nuances of the hospitable highland settlements of Adjara, and enjoy a delightful outing with family. The recommended duration for a visit is approximately one hour.
The museum is conveniently situated in the southwestern part of Batumi, in Kakhaberi on M. Sharashidze Street, No. 14. Public transportation is readily available, with buses No. 12 and 12A running directly from the city center to the museum.
Operating Hours:
Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Email: info@akvani.ge
Address: Batumi, Kakhaberi Settlement, M. Sharashidze Street, No. 14