The Falling Stars (1962), Once There Was a Woman (1970), and Taken Prisoner by Prisoners (1975): these three titles, together with countless other stories, symbolize the foundation of one of Georgian’s greatest prose writers and dramatists – Otia Ioseliani.
Novels, comedies, dramas, and stories are all types of literature this Georgian talent produced over a lifetime. Born in 1930 in the small town of Gvishtibi near Tskaltubo, Ioseliani’s life was filled with a lifestyle opposing his works, which traveled across the Soviet Union to be transformed into plays and theater pieces. His humble manner and solitary attitude refrained him from visiting places beyond the limits of his hometown, and he only occasionally took trips to Tbilisi or other important former Soviet metropolises.
Western tourists in the search for adrenaline-filled Kazbegi’s hikes easily overlook the importance of Georgian artists on the country. Yet, if Kutaisi is on the bucket list of things-to-do in Georgia, a short detour to Gvishtibi is obligatory. Having passed away in 2011, Ioseliani refused to move during his lifetime having inhabited the same house for his entire life. Eventually, it turned into a collection box of souvenirs and items representing his interests and hobbies, thus representing the most authentic museum culture aficionados may have ever visited. The main room’s high ceiling and tall walls exhibit dozens of square meters, which could have remained empty and plain, but his artistic mind turned them into a spotless surface of photos, pictures, hung-up souvenirs, and self-shot Capricorn horns.
Also one of the smallest museums ever visited, the authenticity speaks for itself. Run by his grandson, a collection of homemade wine and different metallurgy decorations allow visitors to spend a couple of extra bills to support the museum, especially as the museum exhibition is free-of-charge.
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