Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater & Clock Tower

Leaning Clock Tower and Marionette Theatre in Old Tbilisi

Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater and Clock Tower in Tbilisi

The Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater and its whimsical leaning Clock Tower form one of the most recognisable landmarks in Tbilisi. Located on a quiet street in the historic centre, this small artistic complex combines theatre, architecture, ceramics, storytelling and Georgian humour.

Many visitors come only to photograph the unusual Clock Tower, but the building is more than a decorative attraction. It represents the imaginative world of Rezo Gabriadze — one of Georgia’s most celebrated directors, playwrights, screenwriters, painters, sculptors and puppeteers.

The theatre is located beside Anchiskhati Basilica, within easy walking distance of Freedom Square, the Bridge of Peace and Rike Park.

Quick Information

Official name: Rezo Gabriadze Theatre
Address: 13 Ioane Shavteli Street, Tbilisi
Clock Tower: Visible from the street at any time
Hourly angel: Appears at the top of the tower every hour
“The Circle of Life” show: Usually presented at 12:00 and 19:00
Clock Tower show price: Free
Theatre performances: Ticket required
Theatre capacity: Approximately 80 seats
Performance duration: Usually 60–90 minutes, depending on the production
Age policy: Current stage productions generally do not admit children under 12
Nearest metro: Liberty Square Metro Station
Recommended time outside: 20–30 minutes
Official website: gabriadze.com
Tickets: TKT.GE – Gabriadze Theatre
Contact number: +995 591 02 44 02

Schedules, age restrictions, languages and ticket prices can change. Always check the selected performance on the official website or ticket page before visiting.

The Story of the Gabriadze Theatre

The Gabriadze Theatre was founded by Rezo Gabriadze in 1981. Although the auditorium has only around 80 seats, the theatre became internationally recognised for its deeply emotional performances, handcrafted marionettes and distinctive visual language.

This is not a conventional children’s puppet theatre. Gabriadze used marionettes to tell poetic and often bittersweet stories about love, war, memory, loneliness, kindness and the absurdity of human life. His productions combine Georgian humour with tragedy, music and carefully designed miniature worlds.

The theatre has performed at major festivals and cultural venues in cities including Edinburgh, Paris, New York, Toronto, Avignon, Dresden and Belgrade. Its small size is part of its character: the audience sits close to the stage and can observe the puppets, scenery and fine details more intimately than in a large theatre.

Following Rezo Gabriadze’s death in 2021, his son Leo Gabriadze continued his father’s work as the theatre’s artistic director and producer.

Who Was Rezo Gabriadze?

Rezo Gabriadze was born in Kutaisi in 1936 and became one of Georgia’s most versatile modern artists.

Before establishing his theatre, he achieved international recognition as a screenwriter. His work is connected with several famous Georgian and Soviet films, including Mimino, Don’t Grieve! and the cult science-fiction comedy Kin-dza-dza!.

Gabriadze was not only a writer and director. He also painted, illustrated books, created sculptures, designed stage sets and built marionettes. The theatre, café and Clock Tower on Shavteli Street bring these different artistic interests together in one place.

His world is humorous but rarely superficial. Ordinary people, birds, locomotives and small handmade figures become characters capable of expressing love, fear, memory and loss.

The Leaning Clock Tower

The Clock Tower was added beside the theatre in 2010. Although it looks much older, it is a modern artistic creation designed by Rezo Gabriadze himself.

The tower appears crooked, unstable and almost ready to fall. Its irregular bricks, mismatched architectural elements, painted doors and leaning structure make it look like a building from a dream or an illustrated fairy tale.

Its appearance is intentionally theatrical. Instead of following one historical architectural style, the tower brings together references to old Tbilisi, Georgian churches, Byzantine decoration and Gabriadze’s imagination.

The façade is covered with handmade ceramic tiles created and painted by Gabriadze. Take time to examine the smaller details rather than photographing only the entire tower. Many tiles contain miniature characters, symbols, patterns and humorous scenes.

The Angel That Rings the Bell

At the top of the Clock Tower is a small painted door. Every hour, the door opens and a golden-winged angel emerges to strike the bell with a hammer.

The hourly appearance lasts only a short time, so arrive a few minutes before the hour if you want to watch or record it.

The angel is visible from Shavteli Street and no ticket is required. The mechanism may occasionally be paused for maintenance, technical reasons or special events.

“The Circle of Life” Puppet Show

Twice a day, usually at 12:00 and 19:00, a larger miniature performance called “The Circle of Life” appears in the lower section of the Clock Tower.

The short outdoor show represents different stages of human life through a sequence of marionette scenes. Its simple visual story moves through love, marriage, birth, ageing and death before the cycle begins again.

The performance can be watched directly from the street and is free. You do not need a ticket for the theatre to see it.

The area becomes crowded shortly before the show, particularly during summer and on weekends. Arrive approximately 10–15 minutes early if you want a clear view. Because this is a mechanical outdoor performance, checking the current schedule locally or through the theatre’s official channels is advisable.

Performances Inside the Theatre

Watching a full performance inside the Gabriadze Theatre is very different from seeing the short Clock Tower show.

The productions are designed primarily for mature audiences and explore complex themes through puppetry, recorded voices, music and carefully constructed scenery. The stories are often poetic, humorous and emotional rather than simple children’s entertainment.

Recent official repertoire has included productions such as:

The Autumn of My Springtime
Ramona
Alfred and Violetta
Marshal de Fantie’s Diamond
The Eccentrics

The repertoire and performance calendar change throughout the year. The theatre may also have seasonal breaks, touring periods or limited performance dates.

Most current productions run for approximately 60–90 minutes. Children under 12 are generally not admitted, but visitors should confirm the age restriction for their selected performance.

Language and Subtitles

Do not assume that every performance is presented in English.

The language, translation method and availability of subtitles can vary between productions. International visitors should read the information attached to the specific event or contact the theatre before purchasing tickets.

Gabriadze’s performances rely heavily on visual storytelling, music and movement, but understanding the spoken text can still improve the experience.

Tickets and Booking Advice

The Gabriadze Theatre is one of the smallest performance venues in Tbilisi, with only around 80 seats. Popular productions can sell out quickly.

Tickets are normally available through the official Gabriadze Theatre website and TKT.GE.

When booking:

Check the title, date and starting time carefully.
Confirm the language or subtitle information.
Read the age restriction for the selected production.
Check the running time.
Choose your seat on the online seating plan.
Keep the electronic ticket and QR code on your phone.
Arrive approximately 15–20 minutes before the performance.

Ticket prices depend on the production and seating category, so publishing one permanent price can be misleading. Use the live ticket page for current availability and prices.

The free Clock Tower performance and the ticketed theatre productions are separate experiences.

Theatre Tours and Creative Activities

In addition to stage performances, the theatre occasionally offers backstage experiences and creative activities.

Official programmes have included guided explorations of the theatre’s puppets, stage mechanisms, personal stories and performance traditions. A ceramic painting masterclass inspired by Gabriadze’s artistic style may also be available on selected dates.

These activities are not held every day and normally require a separate reservation. Check the theatre’s tours and masterclasses pages for current information.

Gabriadze Café

Gabriadze Café is located beside the theatre and forms part of the same artistic environment.

Rezo Gabriadze originally opened the café in 1995 because he believed that every theatre should have a café and the aroma of roasted coffee. He designed its interior and exterior, filling the space with ceramics, drawings and details connected with his creative world.

The café serves Georgian dishes, desserts, coffee and local wine. It can become busy before and after performances, so making a reservation is sensible if you plan to eat there.

The café is worth seeing for its design, but its opening hours and reservation policy should be checked separately from the theatre schedule.

Discover the Clock Tower with a Local Guide

The Clock Tower and Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater are included among the highlights of our Old Tbilisi Free Walking Tour.

A photograph shows the tower’s unusual appearance, but a local guide can help you understand the person who created it, the meaning hidden in its details and how Gabriadze’s humour reflects Georgian culture and history.

The tour begins at Freedom Square and continues through traditional courtyards, historic streets and some of the most important sights of Old Tbilisi. After visiting the Clock Tower and theatre exterior, the route continues towards the Bridge of Peace, Rike Park and the historic Sulfur Baths.

The walking tour includes the exterior of the theatre but does not include admission to a ticketed performance. Tour timing is not designed around the 12:00 or 19:00 “Circle of Life” show, so plan to see that performance separately if it is important to you.

Advance booking for the walking tour is required.

How to Get to the Gabriadze Theatre

From Freedom Square

The theatre is approximately a 10–15-minute walk from Freedom Square.

Walk towards the historic centre and Baratashvili Street, then continue to Ioane Shavteli Street. The theatre is located beside Anchiskhati Basilica and is easy to recognise because of the leaning Clock Tower.

From the Bridge of Peace

The theatre is approximately a 5–10-minute walk from the Bridge of Peace.

Walk towards Erekle II Street and continue through the Old Town in the direction of Anchiskhati Basilica and Shavteli Street.

By Metro

The nearest metro station is Liberty Square on the Akhmeteli–Varketili Line, also known as the Red Line. From the station, continue on foot through the historic centre.

Learn more about fares and payment methods in our Tbilisi public transport guide.

By Taxi

Enter “Rezo Gabriadze Theatre” or “13 Ioane Shavteli Street” as your destination.

Because Shavteli Street is in the historic centre and vehicle access can be limited, the driver may stop on a nearby street. For reliable ride-hailing options, see our guide to online taxi apps in Georgia.

Accessibility

The Clock Tower can be viewed from the street, but the historic centre has areas of uneven paving and cobblestones.

The theatre itself is very small. Visitors who use a wheelchair or require step-free access, accessible seating or other assistance should contact the theatre before purchasing tickets.

Best Time to Visit

Early Morning

Visit early in the morning for fewer people and clearer photographs of the entire tower. This is the best option if you want to study the ceramic details without a crowd.

Before the Hour

Arrive several minutes before the beginning of any hour to see the angel ring the bell.

At 12:00 or 19:00

These are the usual times for “The Circle of Life.” Arrive early because the viewing area can become crowded.

Evening

The tower and surrounding streets become particularly atmospheric after sunset. Evening is also convenient for combining a visit with the 19:00 Clock Tower show, dinner or a walk towards the illuminated Bridge of Peace.

Photography Tips

The Clock Tower is one of the most photographed buildings in Tbilisi.

For better photographs:

Visit early in the morning to avoid large groups.
Use a wide-angle lens or stand farther back to include the entire tower.
Photograph the ceramic tiles and painted doors individually.
Arrive before the hour if you want to photograph the angel.
Use evening light to capture the warmer colours of the bricks and illuminated streets.
Keep the entrance clear when theatre guests are arriving for a performance.

What to See Nearby

Several important Old Tbilisi attractions can be reached on foot:

Anchiskhati Basilica: One of the oldest surviving churches in Tbilisi, located beside the theatre.
Bridge of Peace: A modern pedestrian bridge across the Mtkvari River.
Rike Park: A riverside park with access to the Tbilisi Cable Car.
Freedom Square: One of the main landmarks and transport points in central Tbilisi.
Dry Bridge Flea Market: A popular market for antiques, Soviet-era objects, artwork and souvenirs.
Narikala Fortress: A historic fortress overlooking Old Tbilisi.
Sulfur Baths: The historic bath district associated with the founding story of Tbilisi.

Is the Gabriadze Clock Tower Worth Visiting?

Yes. The Gabriadze Clock Tower is worth visiting even if you do not attend a performance.

It is centrally located, free to see and unlike any other building in Tbilisi. A short visit is enough to admire the architecture and watch the hourly angel, while theatre lovers can plan a complete evening around a performance and the neighbouring café.

The site is especially rewarding for visitors interested in Georgian art, cinema, theatre, handmade ceramics, architecture and unusual city landmarks.

FAQ

Is the Gabriadze Clock Tower free to visit?

Yes. The tower can be viewed from Shavteli Street without purchasing a ticket. The hourly angel and “The Circle of Life” outdoor show are also free.

What time is the Gabriadze Clock Tower show?

“The Circle of Life” is usually presented twice daily at 12:00 and 19:00. Because schedules and mechanical operation can change, confirm locally or through the theatre’s official channels.

Does the angel appear every hour?

The Clock Tower is designed so that an angel emerges and rings the bell every hour. Arrive a few minutes early because the appearance is brief.

Do I need a ticket to enter the theatre?

Yes. A ticket is required for performances inside the Gabriadze Theatre. The outdoor Clock Tower can be seen without a ticket.

Is the Gabriadze Theatre suitable for children?

It should not be treated as a conventional children’s puppet theatre. Current stage productions generally do not admit children under 12. Check the individual event before booking.

Are performances available in English?

Language and subtitle arrangements vary. Check the selected performance listing or contact the theatre before purchasing tickets.

How long does a theatre performance last?

Most current performances last approximately 60–90 minutes, depending on the production.

Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets can be purchased through the Gabriadze Theatre website or TKT.GE.

How far is the Clock Tower from Freedom Square?