5 Museums to Visit in Batumi: What to See in a Day or a Week
Batumi is a city shaped by history, faith, and culture. Its museums offer a calm and thoughtful way to learn about the stories behind this coastal place — from early Christian roots to everyday life in the region. Whether you're visiting for a day or staying longer, these five museums are a good way to get to know Batumi better.
Did You Know?
Batumi escaped the Ice Age.
While most of Europe froze 20,000 years ago, Batumi stayed green. That’s why ancient plants, insects, and animals still live here — it’s like a real-life prehistoric museum.
Saint Andrew once walked the shores of Batumi.
Saint Andrew the brother of Saint Peter is believed to have travelled along Batumi’s coast, spreading Christianity long before it reached much of Europe.
Georgia is the birthplace of wine.
Winemaking began here over 8,000 years ago. Near Batumi, villages still produce traditional wines like Chkhaveri, carrying on the oldest wine tradition in the world.
5 museums that tell Batumi’s story.
Batumi offers a selection of museums that provide insight into the region's history, culture, and art. Whether you're visiting for a day or planning a longer stay, these five museums are worth exploring. Each of these museums offers a unique perspective on Batumi's rich tapestry of history, culture, and art, making them essential stops for any visitor seeking to delve deeper into the city's heritage.
1. Batumi Archaeological Museum
One of Georgia’s oldest museums, the Batumi Archaeological Museum houses over 22,000 exhibits from the Stone Age to the Medieval era. Visitors can explore artefacts from ancient civilisations that once lived along the Black Sea coast, including tools, jewellery, and items dating back thousands of years — as well as stunning Greco-Roman coins. The museum is compact and well-curated, making it an ideal first stop for anyone wanting to understand the foundations of this region’s fascinating past.
Address: 77 Chavchavadze St.
2. Batumi Art Museum
Housed in a grand old bank building, the Batumi Art Museum showcases Georgian painters from the 20th century alongside contemporary exhibitions. The gallery changes regularly, meaning every visit might show something new — from vibrant abstract canvases to delicate watercolours. It’s intimate, elegant, and thoughtfully arranged, making it a relaxing and inspiring stop right in the city centre.
Address: 8 Z. Gamsakhurdia St.
Located just beside the Archaeological Museum, this institution dives into the broader story of the Adjara region. Its collection includes ethnographic items, weaponry, manuscripts, and traditional dress — painting a vivid picture of daily life in this part of Georgia across centuries. A must-visit for those wanting a deeper understanding of local identity and customs.
Address: 77/79 Chavchavadze St.
3. Adjara State Museum of History
Suggested Itineraries
If You Have One Day:
Theme: Ancient to Contemporary – Batumi’s Cultural Core
Morning: Start at the Batumi Archaeological Museum to explore the city’s ancient foundations.
Lunch: Grab a coffee or lunch nearby.
Afternoon: Walk over to the Batumi Art Museum. Enjoy Georgian visual culture in an inspiring, peaceful space.
Why this works: These two museums are close to each other, manageable in a few hours, and offer complementary views — from archaeological depth to artistic expression.
If You're Here for a Week:
Theme: History, Innovation, and Tradition
Day 1: Adjara State Museum of History – Great orientation into the region’s evolution.
Day 2: Nobel Brothers Technological Museum – Learn how Batumi became a major player in global trade.
Day 3 or 4: Visit the Ethnographic Museum “Borjgalo” – best done mid-week when you can spend a couple of hours walking through the installations.
Bonus: Revisit the Archaeological or Art Museums for a second round, especially if exhibitions have changed.
Why this works: This spread allows you to dive deeper into the cultural, industrial, and social evolution of Batumi — while giving yourself time to enjoy the beach, botanical gardens, or local wine too.
5. Ethnographic Museum “Borjgalo”
A hidden gem located just a short drive from the city centre, this private open-air museum is the labour of love of sculptor Kemal Turmanidze. Visitors walk through replicas of traditional Georgian homes, complete with handmade furniture, household tools, and folk costumes. It’s a living museum — ideal for families, children, and anyone wanting to see Georgian culture in action.
Address: Gorgasali Street
4. Nobel Brothers Batumi Technological Museum
This museum tells the extraordinary tale of how Batumi became a key hub in the global oil trade. In the late 19th century, Batumi was home to Nobel Brothers and Rothschild oil operations, creating a unique boomtown atmosphere. Through vintage photographs, documents, and interactive displays, visitors learn how this small port city played a pivotal role in Eurasian energy history.
Address: 3 M. Abashidze St.
Who Are These Museums For?
Batumi’s museums are not just for history enthusiasts or academics. They’re for:
Families – Interactive displays, visual artefacts, and folk exhibits delight kids and parents alike.
Solo Travellers – A peaceful way to connect with the soul of the city.
Researchers & Students – With rare artefacts and deep historical insight.
Tourists – A welcome change of pace from the beach and boulevard, with stories that stay with you long after you leave.