Batumi, Rustaveli Street No. 51
Brief description of the monument:
This large-scale, two-story building was originally constructed in the mid-20th century. Since 1966, it has housed Batumi s (Aquarium, ) where visitors can view up to 100 species of Black Sea and ornamental fish.
The building features a narrow, tower-like risalit on the facade facing the dolphinarium. This part of the building extends beyond the main structure in height, creating a tower-like appearance. On the first floor, there is a single door, and above it, a long and tall arched opening stretches across the entire height of the risalit. The arch is flanked by tall, fluted pilasters with Ionic capitals, a design element that appears in nearly every corner of the building.
The building s façades are simple, plastered, and painted in blue, with architectural elements highlighted in white. The decoration is in the Renaissance style. Both floors are divided by rectangular windows and doors, rhythmically distributed across the façades. The openings are framed with simple moldings, and above them, there are architrave-like headers. On the second floor, all window frames are adorned with a vegetal, etched ornament, creating a fronton-like space above each opening. Several balconies with thick, stone railings adorned with intricate carvings protrude from the second floor across all façades.
The building is topped with a profiled cornice, and above it, there is a blind parapet. The building also features a courtyard, which is beautifully landscaped with various plants, and at the center, there is a small open aquarium.
This building is significant both for its architectural features and for its cultural importance as the home of Batumi s aquarium.
