What has been done so far?
Three Museums, One Big Research [Summer 2025]
Our goal is to restore all ethnographic garments kept in the Tbilisi and the regional museum.
Our team has systematically studied the costume and textile collections of three museums in Georgia:
– the museum in Tbilisi (Simon Janashia / Georgian National Museum)
– the museum in Stepantsminda (Stepantsminda Historical Museum)
– the museum in Gori (Sergi Makalatia Historical and Ethnographical Museum)
Restoration Plan Created [Fall 2025]
Based on this research, we have created a detailed restoration plan:
– which garments need urgent intervention,
– what type of treatment they require,
– and how the new lab should prioritise its work.
Academy Program & Workshops Scheduled [Winter 2025]
An academy program has been designed, with workshops led by Georgian and French restorers.
The schedule includes practical sessions inside the lab and lectures on textile conservation, museum standards and documentation.
Restoration Workshop Repaired [December 2025]
The restoration workshop space at Simon Janashia National Museum has been fully renovated and prepared for work.
It’s ready to host professional textile restoration and conservation: proper tables, light and environment.
what's in the works right now
Open Call Successfully Completed [May 2026]
Open Call Successfully Completed [May 2026]
Open Call Successfully Completed [May 2026]
An international open call for the educational program received nearly 100 applications from Georgia and even abroad. The strong response reflects growing interest in textile conservation and confirms that this work resonates well beyond the local museum sector.
Following a review of applications, a series of interviews was conducted to select participants for the program.
Restoration Work Begins [in progress]
Open Call Successfully Completed [May 2026]
Open Call Successfully Completed [May 2026]
Alongside the educational program, the first phase of garment restoration is now underway.
Conservation work has begun on a selection of ethnographic costumes that will become part of a future exhibition — ensuring their long-term preservation and public accessibility.
Educational Program Launching [June 2026]
Exhibition Design Concept in Development [in progress]
Exhibition Design Concept in Development [in progress]
The first lectures and workshops of the academy program begin in June 2026.
Participants will work alongside Georgian and French specialists, combining theoretical training with hands-on experience in the restoration laboratory.
Exhibition Design Concept in Development [in progress]
Exhibition Design Concept in Development [in progress]
Exhibition Design Concept in Development [in progress]
In parallel with the restoration work, the project team and invited experts are developing the design concept for a future ethnographic exhibition at the Simon Janashia Museum. The exhibition will present restored garments within a contemporary museum framework, helping visitors explore Georgia's textile heritage and regional traditions.
our partners
This phase is implemented with the support of
Contact us: curator@georgianinfusion.com
Copyright © 2026 Georgian Infusion - All Rights Reserved.