The Georgia State Silk Museum, established in 1887 by the renowned silk specialist Nikolay Shavrov, is a remarkable institution located in Tbilisi. This museum is celebrated for its extraordinary collection, showcasing over five thousand varieties of cocoons, silkworms, and butterflies. In addition to these specimens, the museum houses an extensive range of exhibits related to silk production, encompassing everything from mulberries and their by-products to samples of both natural and synthetic dyes. Visitors can explore an array of silk products designed for both domestic and industrial use, along with many other fascinating artifacts.
The Tbilisi Silk Museum also offers diverse collections that highlight not only Georgia’s rich history in silk production but also the traditions of other countries with established silk industries. Some of these items were collected by Shavrov himself, while others were generously donated by his research colleagues from Europe and Russia.
For anyone interested in the art and history of natural silk production, the museum’s exposition is a must-see. Unique to this museum is its commitment to hands-on learning; it even cultivates its own silkworms. If you visit during the optimal season, from April to June, you may have the delightful opportunity to feed these silkworms with mulberry leaves—the very source of silk pupae and, ultimately, silk itself. Additionally, visitors can purchase original silk cocoons from the museum shop, making for a memorable keepsake.
The building that houses the Tbilisi Silk Museum is a stunning example of 19th-century Georgian architecture and is currently recognized as a national monument. Its design reflects a harmonious blend of Classicism, Gothic style, and Islamic art, both in the exterior and interior details. Many visitors are particularly captivated by the museum’s interior decor, which features silk-related motifs such as mulberry leaves, pupae, silkworms, and cocoons, creating an immersive experience that resonates with the museum’s theme.
Address: 6, Giorgi Tsabadze Str., Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 234-09-67
Working hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11:00 a.m. till 06:00 p.m.
Closed: on Sunday-Monday
