When you walk down Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, Georgia, you cannot miss the striking Tbilisi State Opera and Ballet Theater, officially known as the Paliashvili Theatre. Founded in 1851, it stands as the main opera house of Georgia and one of Eastern Europe's oldest opera venues. Stepping inside or admiring it from the avenue, you will experience a premier center of Georgian cultural life that has hosted legendary opera stars like Montserrat Caballé and José Carreras, as well as major national celebrations and presidential inaugurations.
As you explore the site, you will marvel at its exotic neo-Moorish architectural style, designed by Baltic German architect Victor Johann Gottlieb Schröter and reopened in 1896 following a devastating 1874 fire that destroyed the initial structure. While its exterior and interior decorations feature an exotic Oriental design, the underlying layout, foyers, and main hall reflect a traditional European opera house. Today, the theater houses the State Ballet of Georgia—led by renowned ballerina Nina Ananiashvili—and honors national composer Zacharia Paliashvili, who once lived here.
Following a six-year, $40 million restoration completed in 2016, this historic destination provides a fascinating experience for every traveler.
What to see at Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre
- Exotic neo-Moorish architecture designed by Victor Johann Gottlieb Schröter
- Home to the State Ballet of Georgia led by Nina Ananiashvili
- Classic European opera house layout paired with Oriental decorations
- Historic venue on Rustaveli Avenue founded in 1851
Visiting tips
Take time to admire the building's distinct neo-Moorish exterior and grand European-style layout while walking along Rustaveli Avenue.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Evening
How to get there & what’s nearby
Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre is easy to reach on Tbilisi’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Rustaveli Theatre. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Tbilisi travel guide.
See the full Tbilisi travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.