Georgian treasures charm Sweden

In 2009 Sweden became the EU Presidency country and a number of cultural events have been held in connection with this. One of the most significant for Georgia is the exhibition about the discoveries at Kolkheti (the ancient Colchis) which opened in Stockholm on November 20 and will last until February 14, 2010.

Davit Lortkipanidze, Director General of the National Museum of Georgia, stated that this was the first project which had given the National Museum an opportunity to enter the international museum system. As Lortkipanidze said, Georgia’s unique cultural heritage has been known to millions of people despite this.

H.E. Per Eklund - Ambassador and Head of EU Delegation to Georgia, said that the treasures of Georgia are not only part of Georgia's heritage but the world's. "This became very clear to me when visiting the recently opened exhibition on Medea from Georgia in Stockholm. This beautiful exhibition gives an historical background to Georgia of today and modifies and enriches the perception of Georgia, which is otherwise mostly known for its conflict with Russia. Some of Georgia's most valuable treasures are on display here, and the exhibition as a whole forces you to reflect on what Europe is, where its boundaries are and what actually has contributed to making Europe what it is today.

"All through the exhibition we hear the voice of Medea, who since Euripides' time has symbolised the female character in Western drama. She is not Greek or 'European', she is from Colchis, where East and West meet. This challenges the concept of Europe and also focuses on the universality of culture. Georgia is doing right to share its treasures with the rest of the world. This constitutes an important complementarity to the political ambitions and diplomatic endeavours Georgia is undertaking," Per Eklund said.

The exhibition also contained a slide show of beautiful photographs of modern Georgia, triggering an interest in visiting the country.