XX century in the architecture of Tbilisi: from eclecticism to brutalism

In the 1920s, a new plan for the industrialization and development of Tbilisi was adopted. The Old Town with its irregular buildings, narrow streets, churches and caravan-serais was not very suitable as the center of the capital of the young Soviet Republic. So, in addition to the construction of the residential areas and implementation of the large-scale infrastructure projects, there was a plan to create a new center and new points of attraction. So the center had been moved to the area of   the current Republic Square. There throughout the entire Soviet period, leading and advanced local architects had a chance to realize their projects. So today, in a relatively small area, we can simultaneously observe excellent examples of the 1920s constructivism, magnificent architecture of the 1930s-50s, inventive, but subtle 1960s and heavy brutalism of the late 1970s and 80s.

During the tour «XX century in the architecture of Tbilisi: from eclecticism to brutalism» you will see:

• How the complex of Republic Square and Vere Park was created and developed in different decades of the 20th century?
• how the spaces of the famous Institute of Marxism-Leninism, the Post Office, the office of "Zarya Vostoka" newspaper, gigantic complex of the Trade and Cultural Center, are used today. 
• Also, we will talk about the fate of some buildings from the XIX century, which were rebuilt or miraculously survived during the reconstruction.

 Duration: 2 hours

 Meeting point: Monument of Shota Rustaveli (exit from the metro station «Rustaveli»)

 End of the tour: Tbilisi State Philharmony (Merab Kostava Street, 36/1)