Georgian State Museum of Folk and Applied Art Tbilisi
Discover Georgia's rich musical heritage through an incredible collection of folk instruments and applied arts, brought to life with demonstrations.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better tour access
Georgian State Museum of Folk and Applied Art Tbilisi
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better tour access

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Georgia's rich musical heritage through an incredible collection of folk instruments and applied arts, brought to life with demonstrations.
"Highly recommend whether you are a musician or just music lover. You will find this tour very educational and entertaining."
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Highly recommended! Guides make instruments come alive with explanations & videos. Worth the price! :star2:
🚪 Entrance Location
Go through the gate and head to your right to find the museum entrance. :door:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Musical Instruments
Main Exhibition Halls
Discover a rich collection of Georgian and South Caucasian folk instruments, alongside European classical and mechanical pieces. Hear their unique sounds brought to life.

Interactive Demonstrations
Exhibition Halls
Witness instruments being played through accompanying videos or live demonstrations, offering a captivating auditory and visual experience.
Applied Art Collections
Gallery Spaces
Beyond music, explore samples of fine and applied arts, including gramophones and arghans, showcasing broader Georgian craftsmanship.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for an Immersive Experience
Embrace the Guided Tour
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Highly recommended! Guides make instruments come alive with explanations & videos. Worth the price! :star2:
🚪 Entrance Location
Go through the gate and head to your right to find the museum entrance. :door:
🗣️ Language Considerations
Tours are readily available in Georgian. English explanations might be limited to short papers. :speech_balloon:
🎶 Experience the Sounds
Don't miss the videos showing instruments being played – it's a highlight! :musical_note:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Highly recommended! Guides make instruments come alive with explanations & videos. Worth the price! :star2:
🚪 Entrance Location
Go through the gate and head to your right to find the museum entrance. :door:
🗣️ Language Considerations
Tours are readily available in Georgian. English explanations might be limited to short papers. :speech_balloon:
🎶 Experience the Sounds
Don't miss the videos showing instruments being played – it's a highlight! :musical_note:
💰 Affordable Entry
The museum offers great value for its price, especially with a guided tour. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Georgian State Museum of Folk and Applied Art to be a delightful and educational experience, especially when opting for a guided tour. The unique collection of musical instruments and the engaging demonstrations are frequently praised. However, some visitors have noted limited English descriptions and occasional difficulties with access.
"One of the best things I did in Tbilisi. The instruments were amazing and they will even play them for you. Go through the gate and to your right to get in."
Rachael Aslett
"We absolutely loved it! The guide was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and patient. She had thoroughly explained history of Georgian and European musical instruments. It thrilled and educated us the same time. Highly recommend whether you are a musician or just music lover. You will find this tour very educational and entertaining."
Chum Chumela
"Very disappointed. Was all excited to see an actual museum focused on the history of music. The gate was closed even tho they were open.
If you speak English, there's not much for you but a 3 paragraph paper. Folks who spoke Georgian immediately got a tour. I was left to wonder on my own. There are no plaques or discriptions of the displays. Just waisted 5 lari and gained a grand disappointment, too bad."
Mark B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Tbilisi. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, it's often accessible by local buses or taxis. Many visitors find it convenient to walk from nearby attractions. Remember to look for the entrance through the gate and to your right.
It can be a bit tucked away. Visitors recommend looking for a specific gate and then heading to the right to locate the museum entrance.
For tourists, a combination of walking from central Tbilisi attractions or using a taxi service is often the most straightforward. Public transport routes can be complex for first-time visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees are generally considered affordable, with one reviewer mentioning 5 lari. The cost is often seen as well worth it, especially when combined with a guided tour.
Advance booking is typically not required. Visitors can usually purchase tickets upon arrival. However, arriving earlier in the day or on weekdays might ensure better availability for guided tours.
Opening hours can vary, and it's advisable to check locally or on their official channels if available. Some visitors have encountered closed gates even when they expected to be open, so confirming hours is wise.
Information on specific discounts isn't widely publicized. However, the general admission price is considered very reasonable, making it accessible for most travelers.
Yes, you can explore the museum independently. However, many visitors strongly recommend taking a guided tour to fully appreciate the exhibits and understand the history of the instruments.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features a fascinating collection of Georgian and South Caucasian musical instruments, as well as European mechanical and classical instruments. You'll also find applied art samples and historical music notes.
Absolutely! Many visitors highlight the accompanying videos that demonstrate how the instruments are played, offering a unique auditory and visual experience. Some instruments are still functional and can be demonstrated.
English descriptions can be limited. Some visitors reported only finding a few paragraphs in English, while Georgian speakers received more detailed tours. It's best to inquire about English-speaking guides.
Most visitors find that an hour to an hour and a half is sufficient to explore the museum, especially if you take a guided tour. This allows time to appreciate the instruments and their history.
Yes, it's highly recommended for music lovers! The collection of instruments and the demonstrations provide a deep dive into Georgian musical heritage and beyond.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly within the Georgian State Museum of Folk and Applied Art. Visitors typically eat at restaurants in the surrounding areas of Tbilisi before or after their visit.
The museum is located in Tbilisi, a city renowned for its diverse culinary scene. You can find traditional Georgian cuisine, international options, and cafes in the vicinity.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. While some visitors have taken photos, it's always best to check for any posted signs or ask museum staff before taking pictures, especially if using flash.
The unique and beautifully crafted musical instruments themselves make for excellent photo opportunities. The applied art displays also offer visually appealing subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider opting for a guided tour if your children are old enough to follow along, as the guide's enthusiasm can be infectious. However, if you have very young children, a self-guided visit might be more flexible, allowing you to focus on the most visually interesting exhibits. The museum is generally not overly crowded, making it a manageable outing.
🎶 Music Enthusiasts & Musicians
The interactive element, with videos showcasing how the instruments are played, is invaluable. It provides context and aural understanding that goes beyond static displays. Engaging with a knowledgeable guide can further enrich the experience, offering insights into the history, cultural significance, and performance practices associated with each piece.
🏛️ Culture & History Buffs
For history buffs, the museum serves as a tangible link to the past, showcasing instruments that have been part of traditions for generations. The guided tours are particularly beneficial for gaining historical context and understanding the evolution of musical practices in Georgia and the Caucasus region.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heartbeat of Georgian Music: An Instrument Collection
What truly sets this museum apart is its commitment to bringing these instruments to life. Many visitors are thrilled by the accompanying videos that demonstrate the unique sounds and playing techniques of each instrument. This immersive approach transforms a passive viewing experience into an engaging auditory journey. For those who are lucky enough to experience it, the chance to hear these historical instruments played is a profound connection to the past.
Beyond the purely musical, the museum also offers glimpses into the broader applied arts of Georgia. This includes items like gramophones and other mechanical devices, as well as samples of fine crafts. These additions provide a more holistic understanding of the cultural landscape in which this music thrived, making the museum a rich and multi-faceted destination for cultural exploration.
Navigating the Museum: Tips from Visitors
Be aware of potential language barriers. While tours are readily available in Georgian, English explanations might be limited to brief written descriptions. If English is your primary language, it's worth inquiring about the availability of English-speaking guides upon arrival or considering the visual and auditory aspects of the demonstrations. The museum's entrance can also be a little discreet; remember to go through the gate and to your right to find the main access point.
Finally, the museum is generally considered affordable, offering excellent value for the experience, especially when you factor in the engaging demonstrations and the depth of the collection. Plan for about an hour to an hour and a half to fully absorb the exhibits, making it a perfect addition to a day of exploring Tbilisi.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit