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Georgian National Gallery: A Treasure Trove of Georgian Art

Explore Georgia's artistic heritage at the National Gallery in Tbilisi, showcasing renowned Georgian and international artists.

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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 building with a rich history, the gallery offers visitors a glimpse 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 early in the morning to avoid crowds and have a more peaceful experience.
  • Check for temporary exhibitions featuring international artists alongside the permanent collection.
  • Take your time to appreciate the works of Niko Pirosmani, a celebrated Georgian primitivist painter.
  • Explore the gallery's gift shop for unique souvenirs and art-related items.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue, enjoying the architecture and atmosphere.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The National Gallery is located on Shota Rustaveli Avenue, a central thoroughfare in Tbilisi, making it easily accessible on foot from many points in the city center. From Freedom Square, walk north along Rustaveli Avenue for about 5-10 minutes. The gallery will be on your left. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    The closest metro station to the National Gallery is Rustaveli. From the station, exit onto Rustaveli Avenue and walk north for a few minutes; the gallery will be on your left. Alternatively, numerous buses stop near the gallery on Rustaveli Avenue. A single ride on the metro or bus costs 1 GEL. You can purchase a 'Metromoney' card for 2 GEL at the metro station.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Tbilisi and can take you directly to the National Gallery at 11 Shota Rustaveli Ave. Taxi services like Bolt and Yandex are popular and can be booked via their apps. A short taxi ride within the city center typically costs between 3 and 10 GEL, but fares may vary depending on the distance and traffic.

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Discover more about National Gallery

The Georgian National Gallery, also known as the Tbilisi Art Gallery, is one of the most esteemed museums in Tbilisi. It is cherished by art enthusiasts for its extensive exhibitions showcasing both renowned Georgian and international artists. The gallery's building was constructed in 1888 as the Russian Military-Historical Museum, designed by Albert Salzmann, a German architect based in Tbilisi. Salzmann drew inspiration from the Palazzo Delle Esposizioni in Rome, adapting the scale to fit Rustaveli Avenue's architecture. During World War I, the museum closed, and its exhibits were moved to the North Caucasus. The vision to transform the building into an art gallery came from Dimitri Shevardnadze, a distinguished Georgian artist. The inaugural exhibition in October 1920 featured Iranian miniature art, European and Oriental collections, and works by Georgian artists from various museums and private collections. Shevardnadze traveled across Georgia, gathering items for the new art museum, which quickly became the country's premier exhibition venue. In 2007, the gallery became part of the Georgian National Museum, continuing to foster local culture. Previously painted blue, earning it the nickname “Blue Gallery,” it was repainted pearl-grey after 2007 restoration. The renovation included an expansion, 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 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 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.

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