In the heart of the village of Vachnadziani lies a treasure trove of tales, carefully curated within the four walls of the Giorgi Maisuradze Village History Museum. Ah, but it’s no ordinary village museum. Founded in 1966, it’s like stepping into a time capsule that takes you far beyond the history of this quaint Gurjaani hamlet.
At the helm of this collection is Giorgi Maisuradze, the museum’s namesake, and an artist extraordinaire! Born in Tsinandali, Telavi, he carved a niche for himself, being the first-ever from the Caucasus to study at the renowned St. Petersburg Imperial Academy of Arts. His exquisite portraits of the Georgian nobility, especially those of Raphael Eristavi and the Chavchavadzes, have been preserved and cherished. While a majority of his iconic paintings are revered at other esteemed museums, you'll be thrilled to know that three of his iconic paintings - Face of the Lord, John the Apostle, and Lomisi St. George - have stood the test of time.
The museum, snugly fit in the erstwhile residence of Prince Levan Jandieri - a buddy of Ilia Chavchavadze and a significant translator and journalist of his time, houses a staggering 4,972 artifacts. A 19th-century handwritten manuscript of The Knight in the Panther’s Skin? Check! A royal charter from King Heraclius II? Yup, that too! Not to forget, a rich array of archaeological finds from the enchanting region of Kakheti. From battle-hardened weapons to dainty jewelry, it's an enticing mix of history and art.
Remember, each of the 4,972 exhibits in the museum has its own story, and they’re all waiting for you to explore them. And the best part? No ticket fee! So, whenever you're around, swing by between 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but not on Sundays and Tuesdays. They need their beauty rest too!
