Poti: Rehabilitation of Kolkhian Culture Museum underway

Poti, Georgia: The rehabilitation of the Kolkhian Culture Museum building is underway in Poti. The building of the Museum of History (Kolkhian Museum of Culture) is distinguished by its architectural appearance and exceptional craftsmanship.

It is one of the prominent landmarks of the city of Poti, but its exterior and interior must meet the museum’s essential needs. 

A significant part of the facade and the interior walls and ceiling have been demolished and painted. The skirting and floor cladding joints need to be fixed, damaged doors and windows need to be replaced, engineering communications need to be arranged, and the fire alarm, gate, and fence need to be repaired.

In 2023, the National Museum, funded by the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Georgia, carried out urgent and necessary restoration works. This resulted in the complete replacement of the old dampened roof, and the building stopped leaking water. 91 000 GEL was spent on the works.

The Agency for the Protection of Cultural Heritage has been responsible for rehabilitating the building since 2023. The project will fully renew the cultural heritage monument, meet museum requirements, and adapt the building to accommodate people with disabilities.

At this stage, the walls of the first floor of the building have been removed, and the main facade is being treated. The dismantling of the mid-floor roofing is underway, and the corroded metal tiles are being replaced.

The winning company in the electronic tender, LLC “Arkitravma,” started rehabilitation works on March 1, 2024. The agency allocated 887 129 GEL for rehabilitation.

The building of the Kolkata Museum of Culture was designed in 1907 by engineer-architect Edmons Frick.

Initially, it was known as a residential house, and its purpose was until 1921, after which 1978 the building was built—the executive committee of Poti. Archaeological materials from the late bronze and iron age, Christian icons, holy books, and other exhibits are preserved in the Kolkheti Museum of Culture in ancient Kolkata and its surrounding area.