The Vani Archaeological Museum-Reserve, established in 1985 by the renowned academician Otar Lordkipanidze, serves as a gateway to the rich history of ancient Colchis. Nestled on a hill overlooking the Rioni River in Western Georgia, this museum offers a glimpse into the grandeur of one of the most significant cities of the ancient world, which thrived between the 8th and 1st centuries BC.
The museum’s collection, exceeding 4,000 items, showcases archaeological treasures uncovered from the ancient city of Vani. Notably, the museum houses an impressive Gold Fund, inaugurated in 1987, where exquisite examples of ancient goldsmith work are displayed. These rare artifacts, alongside bronze sculptures, coins, and other objects, tell the story of Vani’s cultural evolution, emphasizing its importance as a sacred temple city in Colchis.
Spread across 770 m² (8,288 sq ft) of exhibition space, the permanent collection presents a timeline of Vani’s development, from architectural feats to the mastery of metalwork. Visitors can marvel at the craftsmanship of gold and bronze artifacts that have survived millennia, giving insight into the daily life, religious practices, and economic exchanges of ancient Colchis.
In total, the museum covers 1,594.88 m² (17,164 sq ft), with 130 m² (1,399 sq ft) allocated for temporary exhibitions and 55.5 m² (597.3 sq ft) dedicated to restoration work. A small market area of 24 m² (258 sq ft) further adds to the museum's amenities, offering visitors a chance to take home memories of their visit.
The Vani Archaeological Museum also features temporary exhibitions that travel both within Georgia and internationally, extending the narrative of this historic site beyond its borders. Educational programs, initiated by the Georgian National Museum, engage visitors of all ages, deepening the understanding of this ancient civilization's legacy.
Open daily, except Mondays, from 11 AM to 4 PM, the museum offers affordable ticket prices, ensuring access for everyone to explore its extraordinary collection. With over 1,500 square meters (16,146 square feet) of total space, the Vani Archaeological Museum-Reserve stands not only as a treasure trove of ancient artifacts but as a key site for understanding the cultural and historical significance of ancient Georgia.
