About the Site:Situated in Zugdidi, West Georgia (Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region), 340 kilometers from Tbilisi, the Dadiani Palaces History and Architectural Museum stands as a testament to the region's rich history and royal legacy. This impressive complex, dating back to the early 19th century, is a captivating blend of architectural styles and historical significance. The centerpiece of the complex is a pair of magnificent palaces. The opulent palace of Queen Ekaterine Chavchavadze-Dadiani, a masterpiece of architectural design by German architect G. Reis, stands alongside the grand palace of Prince Niko Dadiani, a creation of Russian architect Leonid Vasiliev. These palaces, along with a court church and a unique botanic garden designed by Reis and Vasiliev in the 1860s-1890s, offer a glimpse into the grandeur and sophistication of Georgian royalty. The history of the museum itself is deeply intertwined with the Dadiani family. In the 1850s, Prince David Dadiani established a museum within the palace to house a remarkable collection of artifacts. This collection included unique numismatic finds from Archaeopolis (present-day Nokalakevi), an ancient town in Samegrelo, unearthed during accidental excavations. It also showcased a fascinating array of medieval European armor and weapons, ethnographic objects, and fine art from the Dadiani family's own collection. In 1921, the Zugdidi History State Museum was founded on the grounds of the Dadiani Palaces. It was later re-designated as the Dadiani Palaces History and Architectural Museum in 2005. Today, the museum boasts an extraordinary collection of artifacts spanning centuries. Visitors can marvel at exquisite examples of goldsmithing from the 1st century BC to the 19th century AD, including icons, religious objects, and fine art. The museum also houses a significant archaeological collection showcasing Greek and Georgian cultures from the ancient period. Among the treasures on display are Christian sacred objects, including the revered Seamless Chiton of the Holy Mother of God. A collection of European applied art, showcasing masterpieces in Boulet, Rococo, and Empire styles, offers a glimpse into European artistic traditions. The museum also holds a unique collection of royal relics. These include artifacts belonging to the Dadiani princes, as well as royal families of France (including numerous items connected to Napoleon Bonaparte and his son-in-law, Ashil Murat, who married a Dadiani princess), Russia, and Spain. Visitors can also explore a collection of valuable manuscripts and charters dating from the 15th to 19th centuries. The personal libraries of Napoleon (comprising 6,000 items) and the Dadiani family offer a fascinating window into the intellectual pursuits of historical figures. A diverse array of European and Asian weapons, along with a collection of paintings by renowned Russian Peredvizhniki artists, French battle painters, and English seascape artists, further enriches the museum's offerings. The museum also boasts a rich collection of over 5,000 photographs, providing a visual record of Georgian history and culture. A collection of exquisite crystal, china, and faience crockery from France, Germany, Russia, and other countries showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of different eras. Finally, the museum features a significant collection of modern Georgian art, rounding out its comprehensive presentation of Georgian artistic expression.

Project Goal: to provide detailed diagnostic studies, determine restoration needs, and elaborate an architectural rehabilitation plan for the further rehabilitation and development of Ekaterine's Palace.

Project Activities:

The project encompassed the provision of comprehensive forensic investigations to reveal the present condition of the building. Specifically, the activities included: conduction of full measurement and photo documentation of the palace; art historical studies; study of general conditions and technical recommendations; study of building materials and diagnostics of the state of stone; study of painting layers.

Based on the conducted research, a plan for architectural rehabilitation was developed.