The Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum, housed inside the restored palace buildings of the Rabati fortress, covers the history of the region from prehistoric times through the Soviet era. It is part of the Georgian National Museum network, reopened in 2012 after the fortress restoration. The medieval exhibition hall is the strongest section, with finds from the region's medieval Georgian kingdoms including carved stonework, metalwork, and manuscripts.
The museum is not large — allow about an hour. It closes in the early afternoon (typically around 3 pm), so plan morning visits. Note: closing times may vary and unannounced early closures are not unheard of. The entrance is within the Rabati fortress complex.