The short answer: the essential Soviet modernist buildings in Tbilisi are the former Ministry of Highways, now the Bank of Georgia headquarters (1975), with its stacked concrete blocks; the Nutsubidze skybridges in Saburtalo (1974–76), apartment towers linked by bridges in the air; the former Archaeology Museum (1988), with its huge carved frieze; the Palace of Rituals (1984); and the pavilions and mosaics of Expo Georgia. They are spread across the city's outer districts rather than the Old Town, so you need half a day and a car or taxi to see the main ones.
Why Tbilisi has so much of it
From the 1960s to the 1980s, Soviet Georgia had architects who pushed well beyond standard housing blocks. Concrete was the material, but the results range from brutalist engineering to sculptural, almost church-like forms, often decorated with large mosaics. Many of these buildings fell into neglect after 1991; some have been restored, some are empty, and some have been demolished. That makes this a changing list, and part of the interest.
The buildings to see
Ministry of Highways (Bank of Georgia headquarters)
The most famous of them: an 18-storey building of 1972–75 by George Chakhava and Zurab Jalaghania, made of interlocking concrete blocks stacked crosswise on a slope above the Kura river[1]. Chakhava called his method the "Space City": structural cores like tree trunks, horizontal blocks like crowns, leaving the ground beneath open to nature[1]. It was listed as a cultural heritage monument in 2007 and became the Bank of Georgia's headquarters[1]. It is an office building, so view it from outside; the lobby is sometimes accessible through security, but don't count on it[2].
Nutsubidze skybridges
In Saburtalo, three residential towers of 1974–76 by Otar Kalandarishvili and Gizo Potskhishvili are linked at the top by metal bridges, so residents can cross between the lower and upper streets of a steep slope without the long way round[3]. It is still a place where people live. The lifts work on a small coin payment, so bring change, and be considerate: these are people's homes, not a viewpoint built for visitors[2][3].
Former Archaeology Museum
On a hill in the Digdomi district, near the highway to the north, stands the museum completed in 1988, with a long relief frieze along its top and a cave-like entrance up a flight of steps[2][3]. It was used only briefly before its collections moved elsewhere, and it has stood empty since[3]. Access to the grounds has been restricted in recent years[2], so plan on seeing the frieze from outside.
Palace of Rituals
Built in 1984 to a design by Viktor Djorbenadze as a Soviet wedding palace, with curving, almost ecclesiastical forms, it stands on the left bank of the river in the Avlabari area[2]. It is normally closed, open only on occasional organised tours; you can see it from the outside and from the Aragveli bridge[2].
Expo Georgia
The exhibition grounds on Tsereteli Avenue were the Soviet-era showcase of the economy. The site dates from 1971, with pavilions from the period and a 1963 mosaic of cosmonauts and scientists by Leonardo Shengelia[2]. The grounds are open to the public and host trade fairs, markets and festivals[2].
Mosaics and more
Soviet mosaics are scattered across the city, on bathhouses, bus stations, public buildings and metro stations[2]. A few other stops for enthusiasts:
- Tbilisi Metro: the first line opened in 1966, and several stations keep their mosaics and period interiors[2]. Photography is technically restricted.
- The Technical Library on Kostava Street (1985), with sail-like sunshades[2].
- The Maglivi–Bagebi ropeway (1983) in Saburtalo, a working cable car past period student housing[2].
- The Chronicles of Georgia, the enormous bronze-and-stone monument above the Tbilisi Sea, begun in 1985; see our guide to the Chronicles of Georgia.
A half-day route
These buildings are far apart, so a car saves a lot of time. A workable order:
- The Ministry of Highways, seen from the riverside road below.
- Saburtalo: the Nutsubidze skybridges, with the Maglivi–Bagebi ropeway nearby if it is running.
- Expo Georgia and its mosaic on Tsereteli Avenue.
- Digdomi: the Archaeology Museum frieze from outside.
- The Chronicles of Georgia above the Tbilisi Sea, in the late afternoon light.
Add the Palace of Rituals on the way back into the centre. Allow 4–5 hours with stops. Weekday traffic is heavy, so a weekend morning is easier.
Practical tips
- Respect residents. Several of these are homes or offices. Don't enter private property, and ask before photographing people.
- Check status. Access to abandoned buildings changes, and some are unsafe. Don't climb fences or go inside ruins.
- Combine it. If this is your first visit, do the Old Town first; our guide to Tbilisi in 1, 2 or 3 days shows where a modernist half-day fits.
- Insurance: since 1 January 2026, travel insurance with at least 30,000 GEL of cover is mandatory for visitors to Georgia.
Seeing Tbilisi with us
Our Tbilisi private city tour of the Old Town, Narikala and the cable car covers the historic centre on foot in about five hours, and is the natural start. For the modernist buildings, which need a car, we can arrange a private half-day with a driver-guide around the route above; ask when you enquire, or add it when you build your own trip. To round off the day, the Tbilisi food and wine walk takes in a market, a bakery and a wine bar. All our tours are private, with an English-speaking guide; see the tour page for the current price. Nothing to pay now.
Sources
- Wikipedia, "Bank of Georgia headquarters": en.wikipedia.org
- Wander-Lush, "Soviet Architecture in Tbilisi: Top 15 Buildings and Mosaics": wander-lush.org
- Tbilisi Local Guide, "Soviet Architecture in Tbilisi: 10 Brutalist Icons": tbilisilocalguide.com
Last checked: September 2026. Access to empty and privately owned buildings changes; some may be closed or demolished.
