Carole Neves From The Smithsonian Institutions Consults With Georgian Museums As Part Of Georgia's Museum Reform Program
Carole Neves, Director of Policy and Analysis at the Smithsonian Institution, visited Georgia to give special workshops and consultations on the development of regional museums to the Dadiani Palace Museum in Zugdidi, the Chavchavadze Museum in Tsinandali and the Georgian National Museum. Ms. Neves's visit was in support of the Government of Georgia's museum reform program, whose overall goal is to introduce an international model of museum management and administration to Georgian museums, to make them self-sustainable and easy available to the Georgian public.
The Dadiani Palace Museum in Zugdidi, (Samegrelo Region) is one of the largest and most important regional museums in Georgia. The museum complex includes the palaces of Queen Ekaterine Chavchavadze-Dadiani and Prince Niko Dadiani, the court church, and a botanical garden, constructed between 1860 and 1890. The museum is home to more than 41,000 historical treasures, including archaeological finds representing the antique period of Greek and Georgian culture; a collection of Christian sacred objects (icons, various religious objects); samples of European applied art and fine art; and collections of the royal family of Dadiani, including numerous items connected with Napoleon Bonaparte, manuscripts and charters; crystal, china, faience crockery and so on.
In Zugdidi Dr. Neves was hosted by Mr. Alexander Kobalia, Deputy Governor of the Region, by Mr. George Kalandia, President of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Dadiani Palaces and Mr. George Dadiani, member of the board of the International Union of the Heirs of the Dadiani Family, the Embassy's main partners in this program.
Together with Silk Road Group representatives Mr. George Kharabadze and Mr. Falk Spoerri, Dr. Neves visited the Alexsandr Chavchavadze House Museum in Tsinandali (Kakheti region, East Georgia). The museum is located in the palace of the well-known Georgian poet, which is surrounded by a 12-hectare park. The museum is also home to an old wine cellar, where huge collections of wine (more than 20.000 bottles) from various countries are kept. Dr. Neves consulted with the stakeholders on the rehabilitation of the museum.
Dr. Neves met with H.E. George Gabashivili, Minister of Culture, Monuments Preservation and Sports and updated him with her impressions and visions. |
