Located in the heart of Imereti, Kutaisi, at 3 Columbia Missouri Street, sits a testament to Georgia's sports legacy - the Kutaisi Museum of Sport. Established in 1970, this treasure trove of Georgian and international sports history boasts an impressive collection of more than 1,600 items.
The museum truly is a sports enthusiast's paradise, an interactive history lesson, and a homage to sporting heroes all wrapped into one. Whether you're a history buff, a sports fan, or a curious traveler, a trip to this fascinating museum will prove to be an enriching experience.
The museum is home to a wide array of memorabilia, from medals that tell tales of Olympic glories and international tournaments to photographs of World and European champions that have made Georgia proud. It's not just the victories that are celebrated here, though. The museum also holds collections of sports equipment and books published on sports topics, painting a full picture of the journey from training to triumph.
Highlights of the museum include a dedicated display for Maia Chiburdanidze, a Georgian chess prodigy born in Kutaisi. Her laurel wreaths and medals serve as a tangible reminder of her significant contribution to the world of chess. The collection also boasts a bicycle from Georgia's first bicycle race and a football shirt once worn by British World Cup legend George Best, underscoring the museum's diverse sports representation.
For those more inclined towards the behind-the-scenes action, the museum offers a comprehensive collection of audio-video records, photo negatives, films about sportsmen, and personal archives of famous sportspeople. A visit to the museum gives an immersive experience of Georgia's sporting history.
Open every weekday from 10:00 to 18:00, the Kutaisi Museum of Sport offers a unique journey through Georgia's rich sports history. Each artifact, photograph, and medal housed within its walls tells a story of hard work, perseverance, and the indomitable spirit of athletes who have put Georgia on the world sports map. Embark on this exciting journey and gain a newfound appreciation for the world of sports.
