The Rize Museum covers the archaeology, ethnography, and natural history of the eastern Black Sea region. The ethnographic collection is the most interesting part for visitors: traditional Hemşin textiles, brass household items, and tools associated with tea cultivation and mountain farming. The Hemşin people — who inhabit the mountain villages above Rize — have a distinct culture that is not well represented in Turkish museums elsewhere, so this is a rare opportunity to see it documented.
The museum is small and can be seen in an hour. Entry is cheap. It is open most days except Monday.