Background

Art Palace: A Testament to Love and Culture

Discover Georgia's cultural treasures and a timeless love story at Tbilisi's Art Palace.

★★★★★4.7 (729)

Housed in a stunning Gothic-Oriental palace in Tbilisi, the Art Palace is more than just a museum; it's a monument to a captivating love story. Explore a rich collection of Georgian art, theater, music, cinema, and choreography within its historic walls.

Plan your visit

A brief summary to Art Palace

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

📍
Ia Kargareteli Street, Tbilisi, Old Tbilisi, GE
Tuesday
10:30 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday
10:30 am-5:30 pm
Thursday
10:30 am-5:30 pm
Friday
10:30 am-5:30 pm
Saturday
10:30 am-5:30 pm
Sunday
10:30 am-5:30 pm

Explore places near Art Palace

    See all →

    Unlock the Best of Art Palace

    Find tickets, tours with entry, and experiences available for this location.

    Buy tickets

    No tickets available

    Book tours with entry

    No tours with entry available

    Book tours without entry

    No tours without entry available

    Getting There

    Walking

    From Freedom Square in Tbilisi's city center, walk southwest along Rustaveli Avenue. Turn left onto Griboedov Street, then right onto Ia Kargareteli Street. The Art Palace will be on your left. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.

    Public Transport

    Take the Tbilisi Metro to the Rustaveli station. From there, walk along Rustaveli Avenue, turn left onto Griboedov Street, and then right onto Ia Kargareteli Street. The Art Palace will be on your left. The metro fare is 1 GEL, and the walk is approximately 15 minutes.

    Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Tbilisi. Use a ride-hailing app like Bolt or Yandex for convenience and transparent pricing. A short taxi ride from Freedom Square to the Art Palace typically costs between 3.3 GEL and 10 GEL, depending on the distance and traffic.

    Local tips

    Visit on weekday mornings for a less crowded experience.
    Check the museum's website for information on temporary exhibitions and special events.
    Explore the museum's gift shop for unique, art-inspired souvenirs.

    Discover more about Art Palace

    The Art Palace, officially known as the Museum of Cultural History, resides in a striking palace at 6 Ia Kargareteli Street, Tbilisi. Built in 1895 by German architect Paul Stern, the palace's unique Gothic-Oriental design distinguishes it from other buildings in Tbilisi. However, it is the romantic tale behind its creation that truly captures the imagination. The palace was commissioned by German Prince Constantine Oldenburg for Agrafina Dadiani, a Georgian noblewoman with whom he fell deeply in love. The story goes that Prince Oldenburg met Agrafina, who was married to a Georgian nobleman, and was immediately smitten. He built the palace as a testament to his affection, leading to it sometimes being called the "Palace of Love" or the "Palace for One Night". Since 1989, the palace has been home to the Georgian State Museum of Theatre, Music, Cinema, and Choreography, showcasing over 200,000 exhibits. The museum's collection includes sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, books, photographs, posters, audio recordings, and personal relics related to Georgian and international artists. Visitors can explore ten exhibition halls filled with artifacts representing the country's rich cultural heritage. The Art Palace also holds works by Georgian artists, including Petre Otskheli, Niko Pirosmani, and Elene Akhvlediani. The Art Palace stands as a cultural beacon, offering visitors a glimpse into Georgia's artistic soul.

    A brief summary to Art Palace

    Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.

    Mobile App
    Get the app

    Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

    Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.

    File:Jvari monastery 09.23 (2).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

    More about Mtskheta

    Explore Mtskheta, the ancient spiritual heart of Georgia, where history, religion, and stunning landscapes converge in this UNESCO World Heritage city.

    Tell me more about Mtskheta

    Select Currency

    Choose the currency you want prices to display in.