Georgian State Museum of Folk and Applied Art, Tbilisi - Image 1
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Georgian State Museum of Folk and Applied Art Tbilisi

4.7
·104 reviews·T'bilisi, Georgia

Discover Georgia's rich musical heritage through an incredible collection of folk instruments and applied arts, brought to life with demonstrations.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better tour access

CrowdLow
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Georgian State Museum of Folk and Applied Art, Tbilisi - Image 1

Georgian State Museum of Folk and Applied Art Tbilisi

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better tour access

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.7
(104 reviews)

"Highly recommend whether you are a musician or just music lover. You will find this tour very educational and entertaining."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Musical Instruments

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

Interactive Demonstrations

Exhibition Halls

Witness instruments being played through accompanying videos or live demonstrations, offering a captivating auditory and visual experience.

Applied Art Collections

Applied Art Collections

Gallery Spaces

Beyond music, explore samples of fine and applied arts, including gramophones and arghans, showcasing broader Georgian craftsmanship.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for an Immersive Experience

To truly appreciate the Georgian State Museum of Folk and Applied Art, consider visiting during off-peak hours. This allows for more personal interaction with the exhibits and potentially a more in-depth tour, as some visitors have noted tours are more readily available for Georgian speakers.

Embrace the Guided Tour

While self-guided exploration is possible, many visitors rave about the guided tours. Guides are described as knowledgeable and enthusiastic, bringing the musical instruments to life with explanations and demonstrations. Opting for a guide significantly enhances the educational and entertaining value of your visit.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better tour access
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon (with guide)
Why
Guides are more available
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Visit foxfire museum in Clayton, Ga. This guy is awesome at telling its history and making music.
@charlesdhowe
86.8K likes • 1M views

🎯 Book a Guided Tour

Highly recommended! Guides make instruments come alive with explanations & videos. Worth the price! :star2: Reddit+1

🚪 Entrance Location

Go through the gate and head to your right to find the museum entrance. :door: Reddit

Bagpipes, State Museum of Georgian Folk Songs and instruments, Samghebro St, Tbilisi, 7 September 2019.
candlesnuffer2256
28 likes • 0 views
The museum houses collections of Georgian and South Caucasian people authentic musical instruments, as well as European mechanical and classical musical instruments, collection of arghans. In the museum are kept manuscript notes of Georgian folk music, audio-video records, phono-photo materials. There are also samples of fine and applied art, gramophone records (beginning of the XX c.) of Georgian...
geogems.tourism
6 likes • 0 views

🗣️ Language Considerations

Tours are readily available in Georgian. English explanations might be limited to short papers. :speech_balloon: Reddit

🎶 Experience the Sounds

Don't miss the videos showing instruments being played – it's a highlight! :musical_note: Reddit+1

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book a Guided Tour

Highly recommended! Guides make instruments come alive with explanations & videos. Worth the price! :star2: Reddit+1

🚪 Entrance Location

Go through the gate and head to your right to find the museum entrance. :door: Reddit

🗣️ Language Considerations

Tours are readily available in Georgian. English explanations might be limited to short papers. :speech_balloon: Reddit

🎶 Experience the Sounds

Don't miss the videos showing instruments being played – it's a highlight! :musical_note: Reddit+1

💰 Affordable Entry

The museum offers great value for its price, especially with a guided tour. :moneybag: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(104 reviews)

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

Knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides
Unique musical instrument collection
Engaging instrument demonstrations

What People Dislike

Limited English descriptions
Occasional access issues

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Information on specific discounts isn't widely publicized. However, the general admission price is considered very reasonable, making it accessible for most travelers. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit+2

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok

The unique and beautifully crafted musical instruments themselves make for excellent photo opportunities. The applied art displays also offer visually appealing subjects. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Georgian State Museum of Folk and Applied Art can be a surprisingly engaging experience for families. The visual aspect of the instruments and the demonstration videos are often captivating for children, offering a dynamic way to learn about music and culture. While detailed explanations might be lost on younger ones, the sheer variety and unique designs of the instruments can spark curiosity. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

🎶 Music Enthusiasts & Musicians

For anyone with a passion for music, this museum is an absolute must-visit. The extensive collection of Georgian and regional instruments offers a deep dive into unique musical traditions. Musicians will particularly appreciate the chance to see the construction and design of instruments that produce distinct sounds. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit+1

🏛️ Culture & History Buffs

This museum offers a rich tapestry of Georgian culture and history, extending beyond just music. The applied art collections provide a broader perspective on the country's artistic heritage and craftsmanship. Understanding the context of these instruments within Georgian society offers a deeper appreciation for the nation's cultural evolution. Instagram

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. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heartbeat of Georgian Music: An Instrument Collection

The Georgian State Museum of Folk and Applied Art is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the sonic heritage of Georgia and the Caucasus. Its core collection boasts an impressive array of authentic musical instruments from the region. These aren't just static displays; they represent centuries of tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural expression. From stringed instruments to wind and percussion, the variety showcases the ingenuity and artistry of Georgian folk music. Instagram+1

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. Reddit+2

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. Instagram

Navigating the Museum: Tips from Visitors

When planning your visit to the Georgian State Museum of Folk and Applied Art, a few practical tips from fellow travelers can make all the difference. Firstly, securing a guided tour is highly recommended. Reviewers consistently praise the guides for their enthusiasm and knowledge, noting that they significantly enhance the educational and entertainment value of the visit. Reddit+2

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

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. Reddit