Is it right to visit the Stalin museum in Gori; Stalin’s birthplace? This is the question most people will ask themselves before going. Having seen Stalin paraphenalia, cups, magnets, T-shorts etc in many places in Russia, I was wondering how reflective such a museum could possible be in Georgia. Anyway I went to see it, the history buff in me won over. To make it short: the museum is full of interesting photos, painting, maps of all phases of Stalins life. No costs were spared in constructing the pompös building. If you except any critical remarks during the tour, forget it. The Stalin museum feels like classic Soviet propaganda.
Entrance Hall of Stalin Museum with marble pillars
Getting there and orientation
We arrived from nearby Mtskheta on a marshrouta, but also from Tbilisi the trip is probably not more that an hour. We had to wait for the museum to open, which we did in the patio of a small cafe across the road. The museum soon filled up with tourists from all over the world, also given its proximity to Tbilisi,
Cafe across the road of Stalin Museum
The Stalin Museum is located inside a neatly kept compound, the grand sandstone house that serves as a museum is set in well kept park, the small building where Staling was born is right next to it. The other distinctive display is his private train carriage, with the never ending line of visitors waiting to climb on board, walk thorough it and leave at the other end.
Stalin Museum set in park
Stalin’s private train carriage
Stalin’s private train carriage
Tentrance hall is large and open with marble pillars leading the way up to a set of red-carpeted stairs with a huge statue of Stalin at the top. It’s all a bit dramatic.
One of the halls displaying photos, paintings,
Stalin Museum
The tour guide had her script, which sounded like a recording. At the end of the tour I asked her about some specific details concerning Stalin’s death. Legend says that his staff did not dare to enter his bedroom when he did not rise, after a night of heavy drinking with his friends. Eventually he did of a stroke. Even such innocent question was answered evasively.
One of the halls of the Stalin Museum in Gori
What I found most interesting were the historic photos promoting the industrialization of the Soviet Union, women driving huge tractors. The price for moving so rapidly towards an industrialised society were millions of lives.
Propaganda photos – Soviet Union priding itself with modern machinery and Stalin taking care of the people
Propaganda photos – Soviet Union priding itself with modern machinery
Propaganda photos – Soviet Union priding itself with modern machinery
Stalin and Trotzky while still friends
Little room for little criticism
Downstairs, is a small and newly added room with some photos taking in gulags and even a replica of a prison cells, too small to stand up.
Prison cell
Slave labour
Slave labour
There is a bit of info on the Russian occupation in 2008. It just doesn’t fit; and there isn’t much info.
Photos taking during the Russian occupation in 2008
Photos taking during the Russian occupation in 2008
Photos taking during the Russian occupation in 2008
Photos taking during the Russian occupation in 2008
Gift and souvenir
Stalin was the great leader of the Soviet Union. He was so great, that leaders from around the world gave him loads of over-the-top gifts. My favorite one was a grain of rice with some inscription on it.
Gift from Mexico given to Stalin
The museum gift shop offers anythng from T-shirts, socks and bags etc. Outside of the museum are little stalls selling magnets, keyrings, coins – you name it.
Souvenir stall outside the museum
Souvenir stall outside the museum
Gori beyond Stalin
Goris is a small town that has nothing in common with the grand museum building. It is a typical Soviet town, some of it really nice, other parts run down. There is even a castle which we did not climb since it was definately too hot,
Gori town
Gori – bakery
Gori housing
houses are shaded by gravewine
Gori Castle
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