Located on Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi's main thoroughfare, the Museum of the Soviet Occupation offers a moving journey through seven decades of Soviet rule in Georgia (1921–1991). As part of the Georgian National Museum, this permanent exhibition commemorates the history of Georgia’s national-liberation movement and honors the victims of political repressions. You will explore roughly 3,000 exhibited items detailing the nation's timeline, starting from its brief independence between 1918 and 1921 up to the 1989 crackdown on pro-independence rallies and the official 1991 declaration of independence.
Inside, you can examine archive documents, photo and video records, and authentic artifacts recovered from Soviet-era prison cells. Powerful displays highlight protocols from dissident examinations, personal files of repressed citizens, and direct execution or exile orders. Sourced from surviving KGB and Communist Party archives, as well as contributions from dissidents' families, the exhibits deliver an unvarnished look at Georgia's 20th-century struggles.
It provides an essential historical context for your trip to Tbilisi, helping you understand the resilient spirit of the Georgian people.
What to see at Museum of Soviet Occupation
- Timeline exhibits spanning from 1918 independence to the 1991 Soviet collapse
- Authentic artifacts salvaged from Soviet-era prison cells
- Chilling execution orders, exile mandates, and dissident examination protocols
- Personal files, photographs, and video materials donated by dissidents' families
Visiting tips
Take your time reading the translated personal files and examination protocols to gain a deeper personal understanding of Georgia's 20th-century history.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Museum of Soviet Occupation is easy to reach on Tbilisi’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Rustaveli Theatre and Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Tbilisi travel guide.
See the full Tbilisi travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.