Caucasus’ largest Museum of Books launches in Tbilisi

Georgia's capital Tbilisi hosted the official launch of the largest museum of books in the Caucasus region earlier today, with rare historical prints displayed for the public at the venue.

With over 19,000 unique exhibits, the venue will host a permanent display of rare historical books preserved in Georgia for the first time.

These will include a 1629 Georgian-Italian dictionary published in Rome and editions printed by the first printing house established in Tbilisi by Georgia's King Vakhtang VI (1675-1737). 

A 1739 Georgian-language edition of the Testament by Basil the Macedonian, printed in Moscow. Photo: Georgia's Culture Ministry press office.

Both Georgian and foreign-language editions of the iconic Medieval poem The Knight in the Panther's Skin can also be found in the confines of the Museum.

In addition, themed archives have been set up to present specific displays. One such area has been organised to illustrate the personal library of Georgia's celebrated public figure and poet Ilia Chavchavadze.

A modern repository named after 19th century French orientalist and ethnologist Marie Brosset, who worked on cultural studies of Georgia, also found its place at the museum.

Historical miniature books printed in Georgian. Photo: Georgia's Culture Ministry press office.

Unveiled in a ceremony including high-profile officials and diplomats, the Museum of Books was opened at the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia.

Plans to open the Museum were first announced last year, with its establishment supported by the David Bezhuashvili Education Foundation.