Centrally located just seconds from Liberty (Freedom) Square, the National Museum is a must-see while you're visiting the capital.

I'll say straight out that it no way compares to the museums of my childhood in London, or those I've visited in New York. But considering at any one time you get around 6 different exhibition halls packed with stunning displays and information in line with international standards, and you only have to pay 7 GEL ($2.85) to get in (school pupils 0.50 GEL), it's a winner for this small South Caucasus country. The reason I started with a small negative is because I have three young children under 8, which means for them to enjoy and be stimulated and educated by a trip to a museum, they need kiddie-size input, and while the museum does run workshops for schools, they don't have fun fact-sheets or the kind of fun and games you get on random daily visits in the West - yet: this is something Georgia lacks but is aware of, so high hopes for the future! 

What can you see in the museum this summer? Here are the exhibitions in brief:

THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA - 100 YEARS

A simple photo-and-text exhibition in the entrance hall detailing the First Democratic Republic of Georgia (1919 - 1921)

EXHIBITION STONE AGE GEORGIA

A stunning display of animal bones, and skulls dating back to the first 'Man'. All exhibits in Georgian and English.

CAUCASUS BIODIVERSITY

Stuffed mammals, reptiles and insects, pressed flora, and glass cases of various rocks and gems. The animal and flora selections feature interactive displays to give you maximum access to everything you could want to know. Most exhibits in Georgian and English (there's some Latin in there, too!)

NUMISMATIC TREASURY

An exhibition showcasing the long history of money circulation on the territory of Georgia from the 6th century BC. to 1834. All exhibits in Georgian and English.

ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURE

Ancient tools and jewelry alongside religious icons and other beautiful churchy bits. All exhibits in Georgian and English.

GEORGIAN COSTUME AND WEAPONRY OF THE 18TH - 20TH CC.

A beautifully presented exhibition of original traditional costumes from around Georgia, both men's and women's, and weapons.

SOVIET OCCUPATION

Discover the State's personal files of "subversive" Georgian public figures, orders to shoot or exile, and other artifacts representing Soviet-era cultural and political repression in Georgia. Most exhibits in Georgian and English or Russian.

MEDIEVAL TREASURY

A trip into the womb of the Georgian Orthodoz Church with icons and wall hangings abound.

UNKNOWN COLLECTIONS OF THE GEORGIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM– INDIA, CHINA, JAPAN

On the top floor you'll find clothing, weapons and intricate ornaments carved out of ivory from the countries above.