The Otar Lordkipanidze Vani Archaeological Museum of the Georgian National Museum opens up new perspectives for assessing the city-site of Vani, an archaeological site of a worldwide significance, as the land of the mythical Golden Fleece and a religious centre. The Vani Archaeological Museum, a governmental, non-profit organisation established in 1985, is one of the first site museums in the region of the Caucasus. In 2006, the museum, named after its founder, Otar Lordkipanidze, became part of the Georgian National Museum. After 10-year of rehabilitation works, the museum reopened its completely reconstructed and expanded building in 2020.
Within the context of the museum reform that is currently taking place across entire Georgia, the Vani Archaeological Museum is the eighth museum to undergo a comprehensive renovation within the scope of the Georgian National Museum (GNM) network.
As a result, it is important to note the fact that the Georgian National Museum has been formed as an institution that sets the benchmark in every possible element relevant to the sector. Respectively, the experiences of the GNM staff and the potential resources of the Vani Museum have contributed to the museum's transformation into the most prominent cultural and public institution in the region, as well as one of the most prominent institutions in the country.
The Vani Museum underwent a paradigm shift due to the complexity of the renovation project, which included the development of site infrastructure, the reconstruction of old buildings, the addition of new buildings, the rethinking of permanent exhibitions, the implementation of new scientific and educational strategies, and the launch of numerous public events.
The goal of the building renovation was to preserve the old museum's atmosphere, reminiscent of temple architecture, while updating its facilities and presenting visitors with a completely new programme and circulation spaces. The real value of this renovation and expansion is not just more public spaces; it also allows us to create a unique experience. In addition to this, with the new expansion of public spaces, the visitor also feels connected to the archaeological site and surroundings. The building's architectural design extends formally and philosophically to the community, inviting visitors of all ages and backgrounds to encounter its heritage. Currently, the museum's core issues include the physical condition and accessibility of the premises, the integrity and presentation of the collections, and multi-discursive storytelling. The Vani Museum's opening coincided with a period of active COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Presently, it serves as the preeminent and sole multifunctional public space in the region, offering opportunities, services, and facilities. Additionally, it may be the sole provider of innovative and superior public quality. Since the rehabilitation, the annual number of visitors has increased by 518 percent.
The modernised Vani Museum created a standard-setting example of excellence in the interdisciplinary approaches of the archaeological interpretation by offering scientific and creative approaches that push the boundaries. Permanent expositions distributed among ten exhibition halls of the Vani Archaeological Museum cover all four periods of the long history of the political-administrative and religious centre of the Colchian kingdom, mythic Country of the Golden Fleece, stretching out through eight centuries (8th–1st centuries BC).
Elaborated scenography enriched with modern installations is based on the scholarly perspective on almost every type of archaeological material dating back to the 8th and 1st centuries BC, which in its entirety brings together the city-cite and Classical writing sources and illuminates all elements that make Vani the most important city of the kingdom of Colchis in the chronological order.
The elements noted above are as follows: region of Vani in the apex of Colchian Bronze Culture (8th-7th centuries BC) and sacrificial platform with its complex rituals; wooden temple of the 6th-5th centuries; 5th-4th centuries city as a necropolis of the Colchian elite abounding in rich graves; ritually buried anthropomorphic bronze and iron figurines bedecked with gold jewellery of the 3rd century, not attested elsewhere; lushly decorated temple city and important centre of knowledge, especially of knowledge about metallurgy and gold smithery, sacked by intruders precisely because of its riches attested by the fact of safeguarding unique temple inventory by burying it in the face of attacking enemy. The above bronze inventory was celebrated as a sensational discovery in recent years. Numerous bronze artifacts exposed in two halls stand out as a rare example of a bronze collection of the Hellenistic period preserved so completely.
The Vani Museum, with its internationally significant discoveries and collections, strives to create a sense of community pride, document history, and provide volunteering and educational opportunities. Tradition and sustainability are interdependent. The museum's social and environmental sustainability have become integral parts of its mission and vision. The Vani Museum reflects the diversity of society and tries to maintain relationship with new audiences. The museum has made significant strides in securing a sustainable future through its work at the intersection of tradition, innovation, and communities, but there is still much more to accomplish.
The Vani Archaeological Museum undoubtedly contributes to raising the level of cultural and educational awareness in society, since its collection is an important segment of European heritage.
The Vani Archaeological Museum is a striking illustration of the fact that Europe is not only our future but also has deep historical roots. This is of great significance at a time when Georgia is working towards achieving its European perspective. The modernized museum plays a major role in these processes, as our main goal is to ensure that the dissemination of knowledge and values is a strong tool for developing democratic societies.
It is important to note that the Vani Museum not only contributes significantly to the cultural, economic, and social development of the community, but it also serves as a foundation for the following main points: Georgia, which is an integral part of European culture, is currently in the process of integrating into the European family through the modernization of cultural and scientific institutions. The awarding of the Silletto Prize to the Otar Lordkipanidze Vani Archaeological Museum of the Georgian National Museum in 2023 serves as a noteworthy demonstration of this achievement.