Niko Pirosmanashvili State Museum in the village Mirzaani

The Niko Pirosmanashvili State Museum proudly displays 14 original pieces by Pirosmani alongside lithographs by Pablo Picasso and creations by Georgian artists like L. Gudiashvili, K. Magalashvili, N. Yankoshvili, V. Sidamon-Eristavi, and T. Mirzashvili. Additionally, it houses personal works of Niko Pirosmani himself and features a portrayal of Kizikuri life, showcasing a collection of carpets and rugs, some crafted by Pirosmani's mother.

Niko Pirosmani, born in Kakheti (1862 - 1918), was self-taught in painting and created his unique art on black oilcloth, using his homemade oils. His naïve style portrayed animals, portraits, nature scenes, battles, shop signs, and local feasts. Often disconnected from professional circles, his art was sold for small amounts in Tbilisi's wine cellars, known as Duqani, in poorer districts.

One renowned piece is his portrait of French dancer-actress Margarita (1905). Inspired by her performance at Tbilisi's Park Mushtaidi, he sold all his possessions to buy thousands of roses, scattering them in front of her hotel. This touching gesture inspired the lyrics of the Soviet pop-song "A Million Scarlet Roses" (1984) by poet Andrei Voznesensky, sung by Alla Pugachova.

Margarita's story remains unknown in connection with Niko, as she eventually returned to Paris. Niko persisted in painting and showcasing his art in eateries. His later years were marked by hardships—homelessness, poor health, and residing beneath a staircase near Tbilisi's railway station.

Tragically, on April 9th, 1918, he was discovered unconscious and later passed away in the hospital due to malnutrition and liver disease. Pirosmani created a vast number of paintings, many of which have since been lost. His reputation soared post-World War I when his naïve style gained recognition in Parisian art circles. Today, Niko Pirosmani's artworks are treasured as a national legacy in Georgia.

Date of establishment of the museum: 1960

Museum address: Dedoplistskaro Municipality, Village Mirzaani, 29, Pirosmani str.

Status of the museum: National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia under the governmental control of Ministry of Culture, Sport and Youth of Georgia

Museum profile: Memoral

Working hours: Everyday, except Monday, 10:00-18:00

Ticket price: Adult - 3 GEL, school children and students - 1 GEL. Guided tour - 15 GEL.

To book private tour, please, contact travel specialist here.