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Gabriadze Theater: A Whimsical Puppet Paradise in Tbilisi

Experience the enchanting world of puppetry at Tbilisi's Gabriadze Theater, a cultural gem in the heart of the Old Town. Don't miss the iconic leaning clock tower!

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The Gabriadze Theater, founded in 1981 by Rezo Gabriadze, is a renowned puppet theater in Tbilisi's Old Town, known for its mature and thought-provoking performances. The theater is also known for its unique architecture, including a leaning clock tower with hourly puppet shows.

A brief summary to Gabriadze Theater

Local tips

  • Book tickets in advance, as the theater is small and performances are popular.
  • Arrive early to see the hourly angel show at the leaning clock tower and the "Circle of Life" puppet show at 12:00 and 19:00.
  • Visit the Gabriadze Cafe next to the theater for a pre- or post-show meal or drink.
  • Note that performances are intended for mature audiences and children under 12 may not be admitted.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Freedom Square, walk northeast on Kote Afkhazi Street, then turn left onto Ioane Shavteli Street. The theater will be on your left, marked by its distinctive leaning clock tower. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Tbilisi Metro to Liberty Square station. From there, walk northeast on Kote Afkhazi Street, then turn left onto Ioane Shavteli Street. The theater will be on your left. The metro fare is 1 GEL. You can pay using a MetroMoney card, Travel Card, or a contactless bank card.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Tbilisi. Use a ride-hailing app like Bolt or a local taxi service. A short taxi ride from Freedom Square to the Gabriadze Theater should cost approximately 3-5 GEL, but it's always best to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Gabriadze Theater

Nestled in the heart of Tbilisi's historic Old Town on Shavteli Street, the Gabriadze Theater is a captivating world of puppetry, art, and storytelling. Founded in 1981 by the multi-talented Georgian artist Rezo Gabriadze, the theater has gained international acclaim for its intricate craftsmanship and compelling narratives. Gabriadze, also a film director, playwright, writer, painter, and sculptor, brought his unique vision to life through the theater's architecture and performances. The theater's building itself is a work of art, with a colorful mosaic facade adorned with quirky sculptures and intricate details. In 2010, Gabriadze added a leaning clock tower, constructed from recycled materials, which has become one of Tbilisi's most recognizable landmarks. Every hour, a golden angel emerges from the tower to strike the bell, and twice a day, at 12:00 and 19:00, a small puppet show called "Circle of Life" is performed. The Gabriadze Theater presents mature puppet performances full of depth and meaning, exploring themes relevant to adult audiences. The theater has only 80 seats, creating an intimate viewing experience. The theater has toured extensively, performing at prestigious venues around the world. The theater's motto, inscribed in gold on the building's facade, is "Extra Cepam Nihil Cogito Nos Lacrimare" – "May our tears come only from cutting onions". Productions include "Alfred and Violetta", "The Autumn of Our Springtime", "Ramona", and "The Battle of Stalingrad". These shows often incorporate historical and cultural elements, such as the use of Dmitri Shostakovich's music in "The Battle of Stalingrad". The performances are primarily in Georgian and Russian, with English subtitles provided. Before or after the show, visitors can relax at the Gabriadze Cafe, designed by Rezo Gabriadze, serving Georgian food and wine.

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