Georgian Museum of Fine Arts in Tbilisi

The Georgian Museum of Fine Arts is one of the best places in Tbilisi to explore Georgian art from the second half of the 20th century to the present day.

Located at 7 Shota Rustaveli Avenue, directly opposite the Parliament of Georgia, this private museum houses more than 3,500 works by over 100 Georgian artists. Its spacious galleries contain paintings, sculptures, graphic works and mixed-media art that reflect Georgia’s Soviet, post-Soviet and contemporary cultural history.

The museum opened in 2018 and is housed in a modern building designed specifically for exhibitions. Its central location makes it easy to combine with other museums, theatres and landmarks along Rustaveli Avenue.

What to See at the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts

The permanent collection is displayed across three floors and more than 30 exhibition halls. Most of the works date from 1945 to the present day.

Rather than presenting ancient or medieval Georgian art, the museum focuses on artists who worked during the Soviet period, the difficult years surrounding the collapse of the Soviet Union and the development of independent Georgia.

Visitors can see:

• Georgian painting from the second half of the 20th century;
• contemporary Georgian art;
• sculptures and three-dimensional objects;
• graphic works and drawings;
• experimental and mixed-media pieces;
• temporary exhibitions dedicated to individual artists or themes.

The collection includes works by both internationally recognised artists and important Georgian painters who remain less familiar outside the country. Among the artists represented are Sergo Parajanov, Otar Chkhartishvili, Edmond Kalandadze, Levan Chogoshvili, Oleg Timchenko, Gia Gugushvili and many others.

You can browse the artists and works represented in the museum through the official collection catalogue.

Understanding Georgia Through Art

One of the museum’s most interesting features is the way its collection reflects Georgia’s recent history.

Artists working during the Soviet period often had to respond to official artistic expectations while developing their own visual language. Later works reflect the political uncertainty, economic hardship and social transformation experienced during the 1990s.

Contemporary pieces introduce visitors to the ideas, identities and artistic movements that have developed in independent Georgia.

For international visitors, the museum provides a different perspective on the country’s history—one expressed through colour, symbolism, personal experience and artistic experimentation rather than archaeological objects or historical documents.

The Museum Building

The Georgian Museum of Fine Arts is housed in a purpose-built modern complex on Rustaveli Avenue. A large eagle sculpture above the entrance makes the building easy to recognise from the street.

The exhibition spaces are bright and spacious, with the permanent collection arranged across several levels. Because the museum is large, visitors who want to explore it carefully should allow at least 90 minutes.

Temporary exhibitions, cultural events and special projects may be held in addition to the permanent collection. Check the museum’s official website before visiting if you are interested in a particular exhibition.

Georgian Museum of Fine Arts Tickets

Current standard admission prices are:

• Adults: 18 GEL;
• Schoolchildren: 9 GEL;
• Students: 9 GEL;
• Pensioners: 9 GEL;
• Children under six: free;
• ICOM members: free.

Bring a valid student card, identification document or other supporting document if you plan to use a discounted ticket.

Some temporary or special exhibitions may have a separate admission price. Check the museum’s official visitor information for the latest details.

Opening Hours

• Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00–19:00;
• Ticket office closes: 18:30;
• Monday: closed.

Opening hours and access to individual exhibitions may change during public holidays or special events. Confirm the latest information before your visit.

Practical Visitor Information

• Address: 7 Shota Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi;
• Georgian name: ქართული სახვითი ხელოვნების მუზეუმი;
• Recommended visit time: 1.5–2 hours;
• Telephone: +995 591 680 000;
• Email: info@finearts.ge;
• Nearest metro station: Liberty Square;

If you have specific accessibility requirements, contact the museum before visiting to confirm access to individual exhibition areas and available assistance.

How to Get There

From Liberty Square Metro Station

The nearest metro station is Liberty Square. From the station, walk along Rustaveli Avenue towards the Parliament of Georgia. The museum is approximately five minutes away on foot.

Read the complete guide to Freedom Square if you plan to explore the surrounding area.

By Public Transport

Several city buses serve central Tbilisi, although routes through Rustaveli Avenue may occasionally change because of roadworks or public events.

See the guide to public transport in Tbilisi for information about metro and bus fares, payment methods and transport cards.

By Taxi

Enter “Georgian Museum of Fine Arts” or “7 Shota Rustaveli Avenue” as the destination in your taxi application.

Using an application is generally more convenient than stopping a taxi on the street. This guide to taxi apps in Georgia explains the main options available in Tbilisi.

What to See Nearby

The museum’s location makes it easy to include in a walking route through central Tbilisi.

Georgian National Museum

The Georgian National Museum is located a short walk away at 3 Shota Rustaveli Avenue. Visit it for archaeology, ancient gold, prehistoric discoveries and the Soviet Occupation Exhibition.

The two museums complement each other well: the Georgian National Museum provides historical and archaeological context, while the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts focuses on modern and contemporary visual art.

Freedom Square

Freedom Square is approximately five minutes away and connects Rustaveli Avenue with Old Tbilisi and the Sololaki district.

Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre

Continue walking along Rustaveli Avenue to reach the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, one of the city’s most distinctive cultural buildings.

Other nearby landmarks include the Parliament of Georgia, Kashveti Church, the National Gallery and Rustaveli Theatre.

Georgian Museum of Fine Arts or Art Museum of Georgia?

These are two different museums, and their similar English names can confuse visitors.

The Georgian Museum of Fine Arts at 7 Rustaveli Avenue is a private museum concentrating primarily on Georgian art from 1945 to the present day.

The Art Museum of Georgia, also known as the Shalva Amiranashvili Museum of Fine Arts, belongs to the Georgian National Museum network and is historically associated with medieval religious art, icons, metalwork and older Georgian collections.

Always check the address before travelling to make sure you have selected the correct museum.

Is the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts Worth Visiting?

Yes, particularly for visitors interested in painting, contemporary culture and Georgia’s Soviet and post-Soviet experience.

The museum is large, centrally located and presents a broader range of modern Georgian artists than most visitors expect. It is also a good indoor attraction for rainy, very hot or cold days in Tbilisi.

If you have limited time and prefer history and archaeology, prioritise the Georgian National Museum. If you are more interested in Georgian painting and visual culture, the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts is the stronger choice.

FAQ

How much is admission to the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts?

Standard adult admission is 18 GEL. Students, schoolchildren and pensioners pay 9 GEL. Children under six and ICOM members can enter free of charge.

Is the museum open on Mondays?

No. The Georgian Museum of Fine Arts is normally closed on Mondays.

How long should I spend at the museum?

Allow approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Art enthusiasts may need longer to explore the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.

Is it the same as the Georgian National Museum?

No. The Georgian Museum of Fine Arts is a private art museum at 7 Rustaveli Avenue. The Georgian National Museum is a network of state museums, including the Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia nearby.

Can I take photographs inside?

Photography rules may differ between permanent and temporary exhibitions. Check the signs inside or ask museum staff before taking photographs. Avoid using flash unless the museum explicitly permits it