Georgian Museum of Fine Arts

Georgian Museum of Fine Arts: A Story of Preservation and Vision

In the 1990s, during Georgia’s difficult post-Soviet period, entrepreneur Gia Jokhtaberidze and his wife Manana Shevardnadze began collecting works by Georgian artists. What motivated them? It wasn’t about investment or prestige — they witnessed how unique works from the Soviet era were at risk of disappearing. Paintings were being taken abroad, others were deteriorating due to poor storage conditions, and many talented artists remained unknown.

Initially, the couple intended to donate the artworks to state museums, but these institutions, facing deep crisis, lacked the resources to preserve or exhibit the collections. That’s when Jokhtaberidze, head of a major telecommunications company, made a bold decision: to build a museum from the ground up. What began as a private passion grew into a major cultural project.

Construction started in 2013, and just five years later, in 2018, the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts opened its doors. It was a landmark event — the country’s first building ever designed specifically for art exhibitions. With modern galleries, climate control systems, and carefully planned lighting, the museum was created to preserve and display art according to international standards.

Modern and Classical Art Under One Roof

The Georgian Museum of Fine Arts creates a remarkable dialogue of eras, where classical and contemporary works are intertwined in a single artistic space. The permanent exhibition spans three floors, featuring 31 halls and 3 staircases that themselves form part of the museum's narrative. Here, visitors can explore the entire evolution of Georgian fine art — from rare pieces of the 1920s and key postwar works (starting from 1945) to the most recent creative experiments of today.

What sets this museum apart is its approach to storytelling. Rather than displaying artworks in strict chronological order, it creates dynamic thematic connections between different periods. As visitors walk through the galleries, they may be surprised to discover how a contemporary installation resonates with avant-garde experiments from the early 20th century, or how traditional Georgian motifs are reimagined through digital art. Even the staircases become part of the exhibition, decorated with graphic works that create smooth transitions between eras.

Visiting the Museum: Location, Opening Hours, and Tickets

Address: 7 Shota Rustaveli Avenue. This is one of Tbilisi’s central streets, near April 9 Park and the Parliament of Georgia. The museum is easy to find — a striking modern building that stands out against the historic architecture of the avenue.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.

Ticket prices: for foreign guests: 30 GEL, for Georgian citizens: 15 GEL, children under 12 - free of charge.

Why You Should Visit This Museum in Tbilisi

If you're planning a trip to Tbilisi, the Museum of Fine Arts in Tbilisi is a must-see destination. It houses a unique collection of Georgian, European, and Eastern art. Every hall opens a new chapter of history, telling stories of tradition, faith, and the artistic legacy of the country.

If you're looking for a meaningful and original gift, consider purchasing a gift certificate — it’s a wonderful way to share unforgettable emotions and a true cultural experience.