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Georgian National Gallery: A Treasure of Georgian Art

Discover Georgian art at the National Gallery in Tbilisi, home to masterpieces by Pirosmani, Kakabadze, and more. Open daily except Monday.

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The Georgian National Gallery, located on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, showcases an extensive collection of Georgian art, including works by Niko Pirosmani, Davit Kakabadze, and Lado Gudiashvili. Housed in a historic building, it offers a deep dive into the country's vibrant artistic heritage.

A brief summary to National Gallery

  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays to avoid larger crowds and have a more intimate experience with the artwork.
  • Check the gallery's website for information on temporary exhibitions featuring international artists.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the permanent and temporary collections.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Freedom Square, walk north along Rustaveli Avenue. The National Gallery will be on your left, about a 10-15 minute walk. Look for the building at 11 Shota Rustaveli Ave.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Tbilisi Metro to Rustaveli station. Exit the station and walk south along Rustaveli Avenue. The National Gallery will be on your right, a short 5-minute walk from the station. A single metro fare is 1 GEL.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Tbilisi. A short taxi ride from most central locations to the National Gallery should cost approximately 5-10 GEL, but agree on the fare or ensure the meter is running. Apps like Bolt and Yandex Taxi are also popular.

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Discover more about National Gallery

The Georgian National Gallery, also known as the Tbilisi Art Gallery, is a must-visit for art enthusiasts exploring Tbilisi. Situated on the central Shota Rustaveli Avenue, the gallery's building was originally constructed in 1888 as the Russian Military-Historical Museum, designed by Tbilisi-based German architect Albert Salzmann. The design drew inspiration from the Palazzo Delle Esposizioni in Rome. In 1920, the building was transformed into an art gallery thanks to the efforts of Dimitri Shevardnadze, a prominent Georgian artist. The first exhibition featured a diverse collection, including Iranian miniature art, European and Oriental works, and pieces by Georgian artists. The gallery quickly became a leading exhibition space in Georgia. In 2007, it became part of the Georgian National Museum. Once known as the “Blue Gallery” due to its blue exterior, it was repainted pearl-grey after 2007 restoration work. Today, the gallery features eight permanent halls, a laboratory, temporary exhibition spaces, a workspace, and a gift shop. The gallery holds over 30,000 items, with permanent exhibitions of works by renowned Georgian artists such as Niko Pirosmani, Davit Kakabadze, Lado Gudiashvili, and Iakob Nikoladze. The gallery has also hosted exhibitions featuring international artists like Michelangelo and Botticelli. The gallery is open every day except Monday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

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