The Georgian National Gallery, often referred to as the Tbilisi Art Gallery, stands as one of the most esteemed museums in Tbilisi, cherished by art enthusiasts for its extensive exhibitions showcasing both renowned Georgian and international artists.
Originally constructed in 1888 to house the Russian Military-Historical Museum, the gallery’s design was crafted by Albert Salzmann, a German architect based in Tbilisi. Drawing inspiration from the Palazzo Delle Esposizioni, an exhibition palace in Rome, Salzmann adapted the scale of the building to harmonize with the architectural landscape of Rustaveli Avenue. However, during World War I, the museum was shuttered, and its exhibits were relocated to the North Caucasus.
The vision to transform this historic building into an art gallery was spearheaded by Dimitri Shevardnadze, a distinguished Georgian artist and public figure. The inaugural exhibition, held in October 1920, featured a captivating array of Iranian miniature art, alongside European and Oriental collections, and works by Georgian artists that had previously been housed in various museums and private collections. Shevardnadze traveled extensively across Georgia, gathering a diverse range of items for the new art museum, which quickly established itself as the country’s premier exhibition venue. In 2007, the gallery became an integral part of the Georgian National Museum, continuing its mission to foster the growth of local culture.
Previously painted in a striking blue hue, the gallery earned the affectionate nickname “Blue Gallery.” Following restoration efforts in 2007, it was repainted in a sophisticated pearl-grey shade. The renovation included an expansion on the garden side, creating new exhibition spaces, while preserving the central exterior and key interior elements. Today, the gallery features eight permanent halls, a laboratory, temporary exhibition spaces, a workspace, and a charming gift shop.
The Tbilisi National Gallery has long been pivotal in promoting Georgian art, housing an impressive collection of over 30,000 valuable items. Its permanent exhibitions celebrate the works of prominent Georgian artists such as Niko Pirosmani, Davit Kakabadze, Lado Gudiashvili, and Iakob Nikoladze. In recent years, the gallery has also hosted exhibitions featuring world-renowned artists, including Michelangelo, Titian, Botticelli, Lucas Cranach, and Michelangelo Pistoletto.
As a popular destination for tourists in Tbilisi, the Georgian National Gallery (Tbilisi Art Gallery) promises to enrich your travel experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vibrant artistic heritage of this captivating country.
Location: 11 Shota Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi, Georgia.
