The Archaeological Museum-Reserve is located on the territory of the Van settlement, where the ruins of the ancient Colchian city were found in the 1970s. The center was founded in 1985, a special contribution to its development was made by the Georgian scientist, historian and archaeologist Otar Lordkipanidze.
Today, the museum houses not only an exhibition hall with permanent exhibitions, but also a scientific library. In 2020, the building was reconstructed, a conference hall was built, where international symposiums are periodically organized.
The modern museum is equipped with an observation deck, parking and a cafe. An interesting collection contains exhibits of the cultural and historical heritage of the Imereti region and the ancient city of Vanya: gold and silver jewelry, bronze sculptures, clay vases, amulets, lamps in the form of elephant heads, ceramics and wood products.
