The Zurab Tsereteli Museum of Modern Art, often referred to as MoMA, is a vibrant tribute to the creative genius of Zurab Tsereteli, a renowned Georgian sculptor, painter, and architect. This captivating museum showcases an eclectic array of Tsereteli’s whimsical and thought-provoking sculptures, paintings, and enamel works, all of which celebrate the limitless expanse of human imagination and the profound artistry of this singular talent.
Zurab Tsereteli has made a significant mark on the art world, currently residing in Moscow. While many of his masterpieces are scattered across Russia and Georgia, his work gained international recognition through the poignant “Tear of Grief” sculpture. This piece was presented as an official gift from the Russian government to the United States in memory of the victims of the September 11 attacks and now stands as a solemn memorial at Bayonne Harbor in New Jersey. In Georgia, Tsereteli is celebrated for creating the majestic St. George Statue in Tbilisi, a gift to the nation that symbolizes its independence and resilience.
The museum is housed in a historic building that originally served the Tiflis Cadet Corps, an esteemed institution in Tbilisi known for granting its graduates access to higher education without entrance exams. The Cadet Corps occupied the premises from 1882 until 1909, after which the building underwent renovations and the institute was closed. During the Soviet era, it was repurposed to accommodate the Electrical Equipment Institute, followed by a dormitory, a kindergarten, and eventually a bank.
In 2005, Tsereteli embarked on a restoration project aimed at transforming the building into a museum. Under the guidance of the acclaimed architect Givi Metreveli, engineer Davit Pirtskhalaishvili, and designer Nia Mgaloblishvili, the historic exterior was meticulously preserved while integrating innovative architectural elements, resulting in a museum that meets the highest standards of modern design.
The Zurab Tsereteli Museum of Modern Art welcomed its first visitors in 2012. Beyond the impressive exhibits, MoMA features a children’s corner, a gift shop, and a conference hall for presentations, special events, and art evenings. Guests can enjoy a meal at the small restaurant and lounge on the patio, surrounded by Tsereteli’s captivating artwork.
Spanning three floors, the museum holds nearly 300 imaginative works by Zurab Tsereteli, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere for exploration. Visitors may feel as if they’ve stepped into Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels,” as many of the sculptures are so grand that they evoke a sense of being tiny in a giant’s world. The paintings on display often depict characters seemingly breaking free from their frames, inviting viewers to engage with the art on a deeper level.
On the first floor, a striking courtyard features a monumental bronze apple, a replica of Tsereteli’s famous installation at the Russian Academy of Arts in Moscow. This remarkable structure stands 9 meters tall and is adorned with 145 bronze reliefs that create a cohesive narrative. Visitors are welcome to enter the monument and journey through the history of human interests from the dawn of time. The first floor also showcases “Argonauts,” an intriguing three-dimensional composition crafted from enamel and serigraphy, which took several years to complete.
The second floor presents a variety of compositions, including “My Favorite Artists” and “The Townspeople,” alongside an array of oil paintings, graphics, and black-and-white serial serigraphies, as well as album plates from 1999 to 2001. The third floor is dedicated to personal photographs from Zurab Tsereteli’s own album, along with various enamel works and compositions that reflect his artistic journey.
For anyone with an appreciation for art, a visit to the Zurab Tsereteli Museum of Modern Art promises to be an engaging and unforgettable experience.
Address: 27, Rustaveli Ave., Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 298-60-30
Working hours: Wednesday-Monday 11:00 a.m. till 06:00 p.m.
Closed: on Tuesday
