Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre

The Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre, frequently recognized as the Tbilisi State Puppet Theatre, stands as a landmark of artistic expression in the historic old town. Located on Shavteli Street, the venue is instantly identifiable by its iconic, intentionally crooked clock tower. Designed by the renowned Georgian screenwriter, sculptor, and puppeteer Rezo Gabriadze, the entire structure serves as a piece of functional sculpture, mirroring the imaginative and slightly melancholic spirit of the performances held inside.

The Vision of Rezo Gabriadze

Founded in 1981, the theater was born out of a desire to find total artistic freedom during the Soviet era. Rezo Gabriadze turned to marionettes because puppets allowed him to bypass strict state censorship and tell deeply philosophical, poetic stories. Over the decades, the small theater gained an international reputation, touring major cultural centers worldwide. The facade itself is an artistic collage, built using salvaged pieces from destroyed old Tbilisi buildings, ancient bricks, and hand-painted ceramic tiles created by Gabriadze himself.

Architectural Features and the Clock Tower

The famous clock tower was added to the complex in 2010. It features a striking design that appears to be leaning, supported by a massive iron beam. The tower incorporates several distinct elements:

• The Golden-Winged Angel: Every hour, a small mechanized angel emerges from a doorway at the top to strike the bell with a hammer.
• The Circle of Life: Twice a day, at noon and 7:00 PM, a small screen opens below the clock to reveal a puppet show depicting human life, showing a young couple meeting, marriage, childbirth, and aging.
• The Decorative Inscriptions: The tower is adorned with hundreds of handmade tiles, featuring intricate patterns and profound quotes, including one written in gold that translates to "Let tears only be shed for beautiful things."