The Batumi Archaeological Museum, a cultural treasure trove located on Chavchavadze Street in Batumi, has been closed for the past three months due to significant concerns about the building’s structural integrity. The closure, which came as a result of frequent water accumulation in the museum’s basement, has raised questions about the safety and preservation of its unique artifacts.
The museum’s administration, operating under the ‘Adjara Museum’ banner, revealed that the decision to close the museum was based on a report from the Samkharauli Bureau of Forensic Expertise. According to the report, the building is in a state of disrepair, prompting the museum to seek further expert evaluations.
Despite the closure, the museum’s valuable items remain in place. Teona Zoidze, Director of ‘Adjara Museum,’ clarified that while the museum is not open to visitors, the items have not been moved. She explained that the expert’s report recommended conducting additional studies to determine the best course of action. The decision to relocate the artifacts will be made based on these forthcoming evaluations. Zoidze emphasized that the current focus is on strengthening the building’s foundation, with preparatory work already underway.
On August 23, 2024, a tender was announced for the preparation of design and cost documentation related to the museum’s rehabilitation. The estimated cost for this work is 330,000 GEL. Georgianhouse LLC was the sole participant in the tender, offering to carry out the work for 250,000 GEL. However, the tender commission found that the proposal did not fully meet the specified requirements and requested clarifications during their meeting on September 5.
The rehabilitation process will be conducted in two stages. The first stage includes engineering-geological investigations, such as hydrological studies, and a detailed technical examination of the building. The second stage involves preparing project and cost documentation based on the research findings. The supplier must also provide expert opinions on various aspects of the project, including architecture, construction, and engineering geology.
As the museum awaits the commencement of these research activities and the subsequent rehabilitation work, the preservation of its unique artifacts remains a priority. The process will ensure that the Batumi Archaeological Museum can once again serve as a vital cultural and historical resource for the community.
Source: Batumelebi
