Georgian PM highlights opening of Christian Treasure Hall at National Museum

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Monday highlighted the opening of the Christian Treasure Hall at the Museum of Georgia, with the display opened to showcase icons and other items from the medieval period.

The Government Administration said the opening of the Golden Fund exhibition at the Georgian National Museum network venue saw Garibashvili note its importance for social and cultural life of the country’s citizens, with “masterpieces” such as the icon of Khakhuli Triptych, Ancha and Atskuri icons on display.

Christian treasures created by medieval Georgian masters with advanced technology and knowledge, [and] with impeccable taste, were created for hundreds of years and were passed down from generation to generation. These masterpieces confirm the continuity of Christian art traditions in Georgia and the connection with ancient traditions”, he said.

The PM said “close contacts” of the country with the ancient world had “significantly determined” its place in the Christian world and the path of European development, and added the history of medieval Georgia, as an “important strategic country”, was reflected in its art, which, together with “human tendencies, preserved its own national traditions”.

Photo: PM's press office

Each piece of art presented in the treasury has its own history. For centuries, they were kept in churches and monasteries, and later, especially during the Soviet period, they were transferred to museums. Georgian scientists, even under the Communist regime, were able to save this unique treasure, [this] national pride, and preserve it for future generations as a result of their selfless work and, often, self-sacrifice”, the Government head added.

Garibashvili said the research and protection of the treasure was connected with “prominent” figures like historian, archaeologist and public benefactor Ekvtime Takaishvili, art historian Giorgi Chubinashvili and historian Shalva Amiranashvili.

He particularly highlighted the merits of Takaishvili, who took possession and cared for of a trove of cultural exhibits of Georgia “in the most difficult conditions” of 20th century emigration, and added the country’s Orthodox Christian Church had declared him a saint.

The head of the Government pointed out the exhibition was dedicated to the 46th anniversary of the enthronement of Patriarch Ilia II of the Church and his 90th birthday, and noted his “special attitude toward and knowledge of the past”.

He also extended his gratitude to professionals who contributed to the renovation of the Fund’s collections and implementation of “important work”.

The PM was visiting the exhibition space of the Museum whose vaults include rare examples of vitreous enamel iconography and church items of ritual purposes.

The event also featured Thea Tsulukiani, the Vice Prime Minister and the Minister of Culture, Eliso Bolkvadze, the Chair of the Culture Committee of Georgian Parliament, and representatives of the Orthodox Church Patriarchate of Georgia.