GORI, Georgia—Robert Maglakelidze, director of the Stalin Museum in Gori, Georgia, says that during the recent war with Russia, he decided to protect memorabilia in the museum’s collection by fleeing with it to Tbilsi, Reuters reports.

Gori, Stalin’s birthplace, was bombed and briefly occupied by the Russian troops during the war between Russia and Georgia in August. Fearing for his museum’s survival, Maglakelidze loaded his car with some 50 items — including the former Soviet leader’s military coat, cap, pen, glasses, sword, and pipe — and drove to the Georgian capital.  

The museum, which was unharmed during the attacks, is expected to reopen September 8.