Last Updated on 26/02/2026 by kami
If you are a fan of Soviet modernism you will love Tbilisi, Georgia!
With its Soviet heritage, this is one of the best cities I know for this kind of architecture and thanks to decent public transport, it’s not difficult to see all the great examples of Tbilisi brutalism, Soviet mosaics, the famous Tbilisi skybridge and more.
It took me a few trips to Tbilisi to find all these great places but it was worth it – Soviet architecture in Tbilisi is outstanding and even if sometimes it takes a bit of planning to go to all the places it’s never wasted time. For me, finding all these gems is one of the best things to do in Tbilisi.
Unfortunately, not all the buildings survived the changes in the Tbilisi’s cityscape. One of the best examples of Tbilisi brutalist architecture – so-called Andropov’s Ears – was demolished in the 2000s and now we can only admire it on the archive photographs.
But still, with so many buildings and mosaics that survived you won’t be bored.
Tbilisi Soviet Architecture – practical tips
But before we talk about the Tbilisi Soviet remnants here is a bit of the practical information you might need.
First of all – get yourself the eSIM card for your trip to Georgia to have the internet access all the time. It will be so useful when you go for the Tbilisi brutalism hunt. I always use Airalo eSim card during my trips as the coverage is good and the whole process is very easy. With my code “KAMILA1947” you can get $3 off your first order!
With the internet access, you can check the bus schedule and routes on the spot or order Yandex taxi when needed. Not to mention all the cool pictures you can share with the family and friends right away.
I used public transport only when sightseeing for Soviet architecture in Tbilisi. The network of metro and buses was enough for me, it was easy to navigate and very affordable.
I will write next to each of the places below how to get there so you won’t have to repeat my researches but just in case you can check all the routes and schedules on the TTC website
You need a public transport card to take buses and metro in Tbilisi (you might pay by cash on the buses but it’s not too convenient really). You can get it at the metro stations.
When buying the card you will also add to it whatever amount you need – one ride is 0,50 lari but it’s valid for a certain amount of time (I still haven’t figured how long) so sometimes you can switch between metro and buses, or take a few buses in a row after seeing all the cool places and it will be still only 0,50 lari.
One card is enough for a few people, you just need to tap the validator and collect the ticket for each of the traveling persons.
More remote places, like the Chronicle of Georgia monument, can be reached by public transport (just not the way I did it, more about it later) but it will be easier to use the app called Yandex Taxi.
It works like Uber, with the difference that you can pay in cash to the driver and you can place one order for the way there and back, the driver will wait for you at the spot for a little extra money. Be sure to download the app to your phone before you visit Georgia.
Very often the buildings are near each other so you can see a few in one go. This map of Soviet Modernism and Soviet Mosaics in Tbilisi come in very handy – be sure to put it on your phone and use it in Tbilisi. I recommend maps.me application that works offline perfectly fine.
You can read more of my Tbilisi travel tips here.
Tours of Soviet Architecture in Tbilisi
If navigating public transport in Tbilisi seems a bit overwhelming, there are some highly-rated tours in Tbilisi which focus on Soviet and Brutalist architecture. Here are the recommended ones:
- Brutalist Tbilisi: Urban exploration and untold stories
- Tbilisi: The Urbex and Soviet Tour of Tbilisi
- Soviet Tbilisi Tour – Off the beaten path
- Soviet Tour – Hidden Tbilisi
Tbilisi Soviet architecture
And now onto the juicy stuff – let me show you the best Tbilisi Soviet architecture examples and where to find it! The list is long so I divided it into a few categories, and it’s still not everything you can find in Tbilisi!
Tbilisi brutalism buildings
Former Ministry of Automobile Roads
Architect: Giorgi Chakhava (1923-2007), Zurab Jalaghania, Teimuraz Tkhilava, Alexandr Kimberg
Construction: 1976
Address: 29a Iuri Gagarini St, Tbilisi, Gruzja
How to get there: Bus no 14 from Rustaveli Avenue
This is probably the most iconic example of brutalist architecture in Tbilisi. The former Ministry of Automobile Roads, now the headquarter of the Bank of Georgia looks like Tetris and is so impressive. It’s best seen from across the Kura river but I don’t really recommend this place as you need to cross a busy and wide road to get to the riverside. Instead, take the bus to near the building and see it from the close-up.
Kindergarten #95
Architect: Alexander Unanyan (1960-1997) and Shalva Lomidze (1962)
Construction: 1988-1989
Address: Dodo Abashidze st. 4
How to get there: it’s within a walking distance from Marjanishvili metro station
Unfortunately, I didn’t find more information about this building but it’s such a funky piece of concrete! Don’t miss the Soviet mosaic in front of it too!
Apartment house (wedding house building)
Architect: Sh. Kavlashvili, G. Melkadze, L. Kharashvili
Construction: between 1955-1960
Address: Dimitri Uznadze St, Tbilisi, Gruzja
How to get there: You can walk here from Marjanishvili metro station or take the bus no 20.
Building near Marjanishvili metro station
Address: 89/24 Kote Marjanishvili St
How to get there: it’s just behind Marjanishvili metro station.
Again, I didn’t find any information on this building but it’s such a masterpiece with those concrete arches.
Former Engineering and laboratory building of the Ministry of Rural Construction
Architect: R. Bairamashvili, I. Kavlashvili (1931-2008), L. Medzmariashvili (1935)
Construction: 1977
Address: corner of Ferdinand Tavadze Street and Vazha Pashavela Avenue
How to get there: Delissi metro station, it’s right outside the entrance
Industrial-Pedagogical Technical college
Architect: Nikoloz Lasareishvili
Construction: 1977
Address: 4 Marshal Archil Gelovani Ave
How to get there: Bus no 14 from Rustaveli Avenue or no 14, 24 and 54 from near of Former Ministry of Automobile Roads
Unfortunately, recently the impressive bas relief (called “Tbilisi Batman”) was stolen from here and the remnants were removed. But even if it’s a bare concrete building now it is still worth seeing.
State University Campus dormitory
Built in: 1966
Architect: Sh. Kachkachishvili, E. Kopaladze, B. Maminaishvili, et al.
Address: 63, Tskneti Hwy
How to get there: You can walk from the State University metro station or take the bus no 13, 92, 150, 24, 21 or 54.
The best view of the campus is from across the canyon, from next to the cable car station. During my visit, the cable car was not working and it didn’t look like it’s about to change.
Former Palace of Rituals
Architect: V. Jorbenadze (1924-1998), V. Orbeladze
Construction: 1984
Adress: Didi digomi, 21 Bochorma St
How to get there: take bus no 80, 102, 44, 55, 31, 71 or 50 to Gorgasali Square.
Currently, this is private property and you can’t get to it. The best view is from the bridge on Kura river, near Gorgasali Square.
Former Auto Garage
Architect: Djemal Lebanidze (1939-2001), Construction: Givi Pitskhelauri (*1937)
Construction: 1982
Adress: off Nadira Khosharauli Street
How to get there: from Tsereteli metro station take bus no 27, 20, 86, 33, 11, 46, 84, 51, 21 or 15 to JSC Telasi and walk a bit from there
April 2023 update: my friend Emily tried to visit the place and apparently it’s a private area now, forbidden to visit.
Tbilisi Archeology Museum
Architect: Sh. Kavlashvili (1926-1995), Sh. Gvanceladze
Construction: Late 1980’s / 1988
Address: 9, Motsikulta Stsori Nino St
How to get there: bus no 14 from Rustaveli Avenue
Unfortunately, the museum is closed and it’s not possible to go inside, but it is still a very impressive building worth seeing.
Technical Library
Architect: G. Bichiashvili
Construction: 1985
Address: 47 Merab Kostava St
How to get there: most buses from Rustaveli Avenue stop here, you can also walk from Rustaveli metro station
Former “Tea House”
Architect: D. Morbedadze, L. Medzmariashvili (1935)
Construction: 1964-1965
Address: 2 Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue
How to get there: it’s not far from the Technical Library and Rustaveli metro station, you can take buses no 34, 66, 87, 59, 88, 9, 140, 51, 61 and 21 here.
Other Tbilisi Soviet buildings
Sports Palace
Architect: Vladimer (Lado) Aleksi-Meskhishvili (1915-1978), Yura Kasradze (1911-1991); Structural Engineer: David Qajaia (1912-1997)
Construction: 1961
Address: 1 Twentysix May Square
How to get there: take metro to Technical University station
