Old Parliament Building, Tbilisi

The Old Parliament Building stands on Rustaveli Avenue in central Tbilisi, directly beside 9 April Park. Built in the Soviet period as the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, the monumental structure became the seat of independent Georgia's parliament after 1991.

Architecture and role

The building's severe classical-Soviet facade and broad front steps dominate this section of Rustaveli. For decades it symbolized state power in Georgia — first under Soviet rule, then during the early years of independence.

April 9, 1989

On April 9, 1989, a peaceful anti-Soviet demonstration gathered in front of this building. Soviet troops violently dispersed the crowd in what became known as the April 9 tragedy (1989). The events outside the parliament and 9 April Park are central to modern Georgian identity and the restoration of independence in 1991.

Visiting today

The parliament moved to a new building in Kutaisi (2012) and later to Tbilisi's new chamber; the Rustaveli structure remains a landmark for history-minded visitors. View it from the park, combine with nearby churches and museums on Rustaveli, and read more in our guide to Independent Georgia since 1991.