Learn French with Pirosmani paintings at Georgian museum

In a unique new project, the Georgian National Museum (GNM) is inviting young students learning French to develop their language skills by discussing artwork at the Tbilisi museum space.

In cooperation with the French Institute of Georgia, the network of Georgia’s state museums launched the project Learn French at the Museum at the Dimitri Shevardnadze National Gallery earlier today.

Targeting French-learning students aged 7-13, the initiative will consist of language classes that involve discussion of art exhibits at the museum.

The work 'Easter Lamb' by Georgian painter Niko Pirosmani. Photo from the Georgian National Museum's press office.

Held every Friday at the museum, the first class of the series is titled Colours and Animal World.

The session’s organisers are inviting young students to talk in French about the animal world and the colours used in paintings by Georgia’s celebrated late artist Niko Pirosmani.

The classes will be led by a teacher from the French Institute and all study materials will be available for students at the museum.

The project aimed to improve the language skills of young students in discussion of Pirosmani's works.  Photo from the Georgian National Museum's press office.

The initiative aimed to provide French lessons in line with raising awareness of the works by celebrated Georgian artists.

The project was presented at the National Gallery by Ambassador of France to Georgia Pascal Meunier, French Institute director Jean-Ives Lavoir and GNM general director David Lordkipanidze.

A GNM press release said the initiative was the latest result of the 15-year ongoing cooperation between the museum network and the French Institute of Georgia.

The cooperation has spawned joint exhibitions, scientific conferences, public talks and bilateral internships.