.jpg)
Batumi, Zurab Gorgiladze Street N8
Brief Description of the Monument
The building currently housing the Art Museum was constructed in the 1950s, designed by architect Kakha Javakhishvili. It is considered one of the finest examples of Stalinist Empire style (Stalinist Classicism) in Batumi. During the Soviet era, it served as the Museum of the Revolution. Reflecting its original function, the building is adorned with relief friezes by Georgian sculptor Tamar Abakelia, depicting revolutionary themes.
The Art Museum was established in this building in 1998. The massive, cubic structure stands within a tree-lined square filled with mature trees. The building’s main façade faces Era (Zurab Gorgiladze) Street, while the rear faces K. Marjanishvili Street.
The building is clad in finely finished stone blocks, with the lower portion faced in marble. Paired half-columns run the full height of the façades. Between them, the lower sections of the building feature rectangular openings adorned with semi-circular arch-like moldings. The entrance is located in a protruding portico that extends from the main rectangular volume. This portico is richly decorated: at its center is a carved portal, and above it runs a frieze adorned with narrative reliefs.
The decoration around the openings incorporates ornamental motifs drawn from the repertoire of medieval Georgian ecclesiastical architecture. The interior consists of a large open space, with a grand staircase in the center surrounded on all four sides by two-story open galleries.
This structure is an outstanding example of Soviet architecture in Georgia. Notably, it was purpose-built as a museum, with features specifically designed for that function.
.jpg)