Museum of History of Georgian Jews — Attraction in Tbilisi

“Historical-Ethnographical State Museum of the Georgian Jews” was established by the decision of the Administration of Georgian Committee for the Poor Jews on 30.11.1932 as a departmental organization within the framework of the working Jews' cultural base; it was officially founded by the order of People's Commissariat of Education of Georgia on 23.11.1933. At first, the Museum was located in the building of the Jews' cultural base (10, Gia Abesadze St), and from 1940 in the so-called “Dome-shaped Synagogue” (3, Anton Katolikosi St). The building of the Museum, which beautifies Old Tbilisi, erected in place of the former synagogue constructed in 1914 year, is built of brick, polygonal from the outside and circular inside (with 3 apses), with two (big and little) domes mounted on 8 coupled reinforced-concrete pillars located along the perimeter. The building is approximately 20 meters long and wide and 21 meters high. It has been argued that the building is one of the interesting samples of using that epoch innovative technology. The museum's building has the status of a motionless monument of Georgian cultural heritage and it is protected by the Georgian legislation. The Museum was closed in 1951 on the wave of anti-Semitic movement that took place in the USSR. Throughout the 18-year period of its existence, the highly-qualified personnel of the Museum had played a big role in studying the history of the Jews of Georgia, collecting monuments of Jewish spiritual culture and material artifacts, propagating Jewish culture. They had organized historical and ethnographic expeditions throughout Georgia, gathered various collections and organized exhibitions, conducted scientific research, published 3 volumes of the Museum Works, arranged exhibitions. Thanks to the activity of the Museum managers and staff, on the basis of the submission of the Association for Georgian-Jewish Relations of the Georgian Academy of Sciences, historical-ethnographical Museum of Georgian Jews restarted functioning by the Georgian Government decree No.1017 of 30.11.1992 and was named after D. Baazov, the famous rabbi and public figure. The Museum was put in the system of the Ministry of Culture of Georgia; the Georgian Academy of Sciences was entrusted with scientific management; in 2000-2004, the Museum was in subordination of the Ministry of Culture of Georgia and Tbilisi City Administration. For the purpose of preservation of the important historical building (that was in an extremely emergency condition) and the museum of national and international importance, based on the appeal of the Association for Georgian-Jewish Relations, according to the order No.654 of the President of Georgia of 25 July, 2004 “Concerning arrangements for restoration-reconstruction of David Baazov Historical-Ethnographical Museum of Jews of Georgia”, special measures were worked out to ensure functioning and reconstruction of the Museum as a treasure-house of centuries-old history of the Jews” life in Georgia and a unique scientific center studying...

What a disappointment this place is. So hard to find, not a single sreet sign to show. the way, we wandered the streets for nearly an hour before finally stumbling upon it. Arriving with 20 minutes until closing, we were none-the-less turned away, The staff wanted to go home early.

After that, and on our last day in Tbilisi, we were ready to try again. We thought to call ahead in case the Museum staff was again making up their own rules and might not open at all. The Museum opens at 11am, and we were heading to the airport at 12:30. Our awesome hotel (shout out to Rooms Tbilisi), began calling for us at 11, and kept calling until 11:20, but no one at the Museum answered the phone. Nonetheless, knowing of my time crunch, the hotel sent us with a driver to the museum anyhow, and the museum was, in fact, open. We were the only visitors there. Still, the unsmiling workers there simply scowled and grunted as we visited the interesting but meager exhibit.

And then we wanted to buy a souvenir - a mezzuza or cookbook of Georgian-Jewsh fare. Surely there's something they can offer to tourists who want to spend money in their museum. Nope; not a single souvenir available for purchase.

This museum could be so much more than it is. Georgia's ancient relationship with its Jewish inhabitants, solid relationship with the country of Israel, and self-proclaimed reputation as anti-semitism free suggests a rich story to tell. Surely, as Jews have been in Tbilisi since the 6th century, there's more than a single room -- 15 display cases -- to see. Nope. That's all, folks!

Visited...

One hall room with a bunch of mundane artifacts and pictures by local artists.

Not much to see No explanations other than what the artifacts are. No history or information about any of the Jewish communities.

The Georgian Jewish community is one of the oldest in the world, I wish I could learn more about it but i might as well just read a Wikipedia article, it will be much more...