The Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre stands at 13 Shavteli Street in Old Tbilisi, recognisable by its leaning clock tower, which the writer, artist and director Rezo Gabriadze designed and which opened in 2010. The tilted brick-and-tile tower looks like a fairy-tale building, with a small angel figure at the top who strikes the bell on the hour, and an additional mechanical display at noon and in the evening. Beside it is the small theatre, founded by Gabriadze, which stages puppet performances for adults and older children. The best-known production is The Battle of Stalingrad, a poetic piece about a village during the Second World War, performed with marionettes, music and minimal dialogue. Other shows include Ramona, a love story between a locomotive and a girl, and The Autumn of My Springtime. The theatre seats only a few dozen people, so performances sell out several days ahead, and visitors should book in advance by phone or through the box office. The language of the shows is Georgian or Russian in some cases, but the visual storytelling makes them accessible to non-speakers, and some performances include English summaries. A show lasts about one to 1.5 hours. Ticket prices range from about GEL 10 to 30 depending on the show. Outside the theatre, the tower is a popular photo stop, especially at the hour when the angel strikes the bell and small crowds gather in the lane. The theatre is a five-minute walk from Freedom Square, immediately next to the Anchiskhati Basilica, and the nearby streets hold cafes and craft shops. Evenings are the usual time for performances, with some matinees, so visitors should check the schedule. Children below school age may find the long, quiet shows difficult, and the content of some productions is aimed at adults.
| Admission | Adult About GEL 10-30 ($3.80-11.50) per performance, depending on the show · Child Performances suit older children; same ticket pricing applies |
|---|---|
| Hours | Clock tower angel strikes the bell on the hour; performances usually evenings with some matinees. Box office phone +995 322 98 65 90 |
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours for a show |
| Best time | Book several days ahead; shows frequently sell out |
| Getting there | 5 minutes on foot from Freedom Square. Nearest metro: Freedom Square (Tavisuplebis Moedani) |
| Address | 13 Shavteli Street, Old Tbilisi |
Location
13 Shavteli Street, Old Tbilisi
41.6958, 44.8066 View on map
Highlights
- Leaning clock tower designed by Rezo Gabriadze
- Angel figure that strikes the bell on the hour
- Marionette productions such as The Battle of Stalingrad
- Small theatre in the Old Town beside Anchiskhati Basilica
Tips for visiting
- Book several days ahead; the small theatre often sells out.
- Check the language and content of each show before booking with children.
- Arrive just before the hour for the angel's bell strike at the tower.
- Pair the visit with the Anchiskhati Basilica next door.
- Call the box office to confirm the schedule.
When to visit
Evenings for performances, booked several days ahead. Visit the tower on the hour to see the angel strike the bell.
Accessibility
The theatre is small and located in a narrow Old Town lane with cobbles and steps, so wheelchair access may be limited. Visitors should call the box office to ask about access.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a performance?
Most shows last about one to 1.5 hours.
Is it worth it for kids?
The theatre suits older children and teenagers. Some productions have adult themes, so parents should check the show first.
Do visitors need to speak Georgian?
No. The shows rely on visual storytelling and music, so non-speakers can follow them.