Tbilisi Circus

The Tbilisi State Circus was built in 1939 to a design by architect Stepan Satunts. The building crowns an artificial hill rising roughly 40 meters above Tamar Mepe Street. Due to its elevated placement, the circus is prominently visible across many city quarters and has remained one of Tbilisi's hallmark sights for decades.

The building is executed in the Stalinist Empire style. Its structure is based on two cylinders placed one above the other. The main facade is decorated with an eight-column portico and decorative elements of classical architecture. Inside is a circular auditorium 44 meters in diameter, designed for approximately 2 thousand spectators.

In the early years, touring performers from various cities across the Soviet Union appeared in the arena. A dedicated Georgian circus troupe was formed only in 1958. In the early 2000s, the building was acquired by Badri Patarkatsishvili, after which an extensive renovation was carried out. During the work, the interior spaces and technical equipment were upgraded, while the historic exterior appearance of the circus was preserved virtually unchanged. Today it hosts circus performances, touring shows, and cultural events.