Vani Archaeological Museum

Nestled in Georgia’s Imereti Region, the Vani Archaeological Museum stands as a testament to the region’s ancient heritage and cultural significance. Established in 1985 by the celebrated Georgian archaeologist Otar Lortkipanidze, the museum has recently undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, it proudly exhibits an extraordinary collection of gold, bronze, and ceramic artifacts from the fabled Kingdom of Colchis, making it an unmissable stop on any historical journey through western Georgia.

The settlement of Vani, located on a hill spanning nearly 8.5 hectares, was once the religious heart of the Kingdom of Colchis, flourishing between the 16th and 1st centuries BC. Lortkipanidze believed the name “Vani” in Old Georgian signified “house,” “town,” or “dwelling”—a fitting designation for a site that once held such spiritual and cultural importance.

The first archaeological excavation at Vani took place in 1896, led by the revered historian and archaeologist Ekvtime Takaishvili. In 1947, a renewed expedition was launched by the Institute of History, Archaeology and Ethnography under the Georgian Academy of Sciences, with trailblazing archaeologist Nino Khoshtaria—Georgia’s first female archaeologist—at the helm.

However, it was not until 1966 that systematic and large-scale excavations truly began, guided by the expertise of Otar Lortkipanidze. His pioneering research delineated the chronological development of Vani and underscored its vital role as a religious center within the Kingdom of Colchis. Thanks to his efforts, Vani was elevated from a site of regional interest to a cornerstone of Georgian archaeological scholarship.

Today, the museum’s vast collections reflect the cultural wealth unearthed in and around Vani. Among the oldest items are ceramic shards dating back to the 8th–6th centuries BC, providing tangible connections to the early inhabitants of this storied land.

In recognition of its archaeological significance, the Vani site was included on UNESCO’s Tentative List for World Heritage status in 2007.

In 2020, the Georgian government completed a comprehensive renovation of the Vani Archaeological Museum, a project made possible through World Bank funding and the architectural vision of Ellis Williams Architects, a prominent German firm. The upgraded museum now features both permanent and rotating exhibitions, alongside modern amenities including state-of-the-art laboratories, auditoriums, a media library, a café, a gift shop, and scenic open-air verandahs.

Among the standout displays are exquisite examples of Colchian goldwork, intricately crafted burial ornaments that highlight the region’s advanced techniques in metalworking and gold mining. Visitors can also admire an array of bronze artifacts, including rare Hellenistic-era oil lamps—believed to have been intentionally buried as sacred or hidden treasures.

Since 2007, the priceless artifacts from Vani have captivated audiences in prestigious museums around the globe, bringing international attention to Georgia’s rich archaeological legacy.