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Amazing performances
Immerse yourself in the exciting performances of acrobats, jugglers and illusionists who will delight you with their skill and talent. Every performance is a real feast for the eyes.
For corporate department text to info@circus.ge or call +995 551 099 635
HISTORY
THE HISTORY OF
TBILISI CIRCUS
More than a century of circus art and the story
of one of Tbilisi's most recognizable architectural landmarks.
BEFORE THE CIRCUS
A PLACE
WITH A HISTORY
In the mid-19th century, the area of today's Heroes Square was still outside the densely developed part of Tbilisi.
The Georgian Military Road descended through this area, while an old arched brick bridge crossed the Vere River valley.
According to historical sources, the bridge may have dated back to around the 17th century. It was approximately 70 metres long and 5.6 metres wide. The bridge was widened in 1856 and remained in use until 1932.
THE VERE RIVER VALLEY BEFORE THE FORMATION OF MODERN HEROES SQUARE
URBAN DEVELOPMENT
THE BIRTH OF
HEROES SQUARE
In the early 20th century, the future square
gradually developed into one of Tbilisi's
most important urban junctions.
In 1927, Tbilisi Zoo was established on the left bank of the Vere River. At the same time, the area's road infrastructure continued to develop.
During the construction of the road and bridge, an artificial embankment was formed. It was on this elevated site that the Tbilisi Circus building would later be constructed.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT AROUND THE FUTURE HEROES SQUARE
HEROES SQUARE
THE CIRCUS
AND THE CITY
Heroes Square gradually became one of the capital's major transport hubs, connecting routes towards Vake, Saburtalo, the riverfront and the railway station.
For decades, the circus remained one of the principal visual landmarks of this urban space.
ARCHITECTURAL CONTEXT
ARCHITECTURAL
DIALOGUE
By the end of the 1930s, the square had acquired new architectural landmarks of a much larger scale.
The semicircular form of a nearby residential building created a compositional dialogue with the circular volume of the circus.
Over time, this relationship became less visible as the surrounding urban environment changed and vegetation around the circus grew.
THE ARCHITECTURAL COMPOSITION OF HEROES SQUARE AND THE CIRCUS BUILDING
BEFORE 1939
THE CIRCUS STORY
BEGAN EARLIER
The present building was far from the beginning of Tbilisi's circus history.
In the 1890s, the Nikitin brothers built a circus on Golovinsky Avenue. The building burned down in the early 20th century.
In 1914, Esikovsky built another circus on the site of what later became the wine factory.
Nikitin Circus 1890s
Esikovsky Circus 20th century
Efimov Circus 20th century
A NEW ERA
TOWARDS A NEW
PERMANENT CIRCUS
In the late 1930s, construction began on
a new permanent circus building.
1939
THE NEW TBILISI CIRCUS
Construction of the new permanent circus
was completed at the end of 1939.
The building began operating in 1940. For its time, Tbilisi Circus stood out for its location, scale, equipment and technical capabilities.
The building began operating in 1940. For its time, Tbilisi Circus stood out for its location, scale, equipment and technical capabilities.
ARCHITECTURE
A BUILDING
DESIGNED AROUND THE ARENA
At the heart of the building is the circular
auditorium — an open interior without
supporting columns.
44 M
auditorium diameter
23 M
auditorium height
2000
original seating capacity
30 M
ceiling dome span
64 M
overall building diameter
INSIDE THE CIRCUS
THE HEART OF THE CIRCUS —
THE ARENA
The circular auditorium formed the central space
of the building. The absence of internal supporting
columns provided an unobstructed view of the arena
and created a compact space arranged around it.
HISTORIC VIEW OF THE TBILISI CIRCUS AUDITORIUM
TBILISI CIRCUS · ARCHIVE
ORIGINAL PLAN
HOW THE CIRCUS
WAS DESIGNED
The building is based on a reinforced-concrete frame with brick infill. Metal trusses were used in the roof structure.
The exterior reflects the internal layout: the building is composed of stepped circular volumes.
The main entrance is emphasized by a monumental portico and is connected to the grand staircase of the circus hill.
ARCHIVAL ARCHITECTURAL PLAN OF TBILISI CIRCUS
CULTURAL HERITAGE
THE CIRCUS BECAME AN INTEGRAL PART OF TBILISI'S ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY
THE ARCHITECT
1877 · TBILISI
M. NEPRINTSEV
The study identifies M. Neprintsev as the principal architect of the design team behind the Tbilisi Circus building.
He was born in Tbilisi in 1877. After graduating from the St. Petersburg Institute of Engineering and Architecture in 1902, he returned to Tbilisi and began his professional career as an architect.
He later worked for state and design institutions and was also active in architectural education.
“
Working in Tbilisi, the architect sought to draw on Georgia's rich architectural heritage and to achieve a national — and at times distinctly Tbilisi — architectural expression.
ARCHITECTURAL LANGUAGE
FROM CONSTRUCTIVISM
TO NATIONAL HERITAGE
Between 1922 and 1932, Neprintsev employed compositional principles associated with Constructivism. In his later work, historical forms and national architectural heritage became increasingly important.
He sought to reinterpret motifs from Georgia's architectural past in a contemporary form.
150+
PROJECTS
Over approximately five decades of professional
activity, M. Neprintsev developed more than
150 projects for buildings and structures
of various types.
According to the study, around 70% of them
were realized. His work included residential,
administrative and public buildings, railway
stations, schools, institutes, clubs, theatres,
hospitals and bridges.
CITY LANDMARK
THE CIRCUS
ABOVE THE CITY
Historic photographs show how prominently
the circus once dominated this part of Tbilisi.
Historically, the circus was clearly visible from distant viewpoints and formed one of the district's principal visual landmarks.
As Tbilisi developed, the character of the surrounding urban environment changed. Nevertheless, the historic circus building retained its significance in the city's panorama.
RESTORATION
A NEW
CHAPTER
In the 21st century, the historic building continued to serve its original purpose.
2003
With the support of Georgian businessman
and philanthropist Badri Patarkatsishvili,
the building underwent a comprehensive
renovation.
2011
A further renovation was carried out,
allowing the circus to continue operating
in accordance with its historic function.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
PRESERVING IT
FOR THE FUTURE
The historical and architectural study emphasizes the significance of the Tbilisi Circus building within Georgia's urban heritage.
Its value lies not only in the building itself, but also in its position within the city, the historic circus hill, the grand staircase and the surviving elements of the original landscaping.
Any future development of the surrounding territory should preserve the traditional views of the circus and its visual relationship with the city.
THREE CENTURIES
THREE CENTURIES
OF ONE PLACE
From a largely undeveloped landscape
to one of the most dynamic urban spaces
in modern Tbilisi.
XIX
XX
XXI
SINCE 1939
THE STORY
CONTINUES
Tbilisi Circus has lived through decades
of change alongside the city itself.
Heroes Square changed. The surrounding architecture changed. Tbilisi itself changed.
Yet the building on the circus hill has preserved its central purpose — to remain a home for circus art and a place where performers and audiences come together.
Today, this story continues.
Heroes Square changed. The surrounding architecture changed. Tbilisi itself changed.
Yet the building on the circus hill has preserved its central purpose — to remain a home for circus art and a place where performers and audiences come together.
Today, this story continues.
EXPERIENCE
Why should you visit the circus?
Discover a world of spectacular performances,
shared emotions and unforgettable moments
for the whole family.
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Family holidays
The circus is an ideal place to spend time together. It is fun and interesting for everyone, from the youngest visitors to adults. Create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
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Emotions on the edge
The unique atmosphere of the circus makes your heart beat faster. From laughter to delight, experience a full range of emotions that will make your evening special.
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Culture and traditions
Step into the world of the circus and discover its rich history and traditions — an art form that has fascinated audiences around the world for generations.
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Artist support
Your visit supports talented performers and creative teams, helping them continue their work, develop new acts and bring unforgettable performances to the circus arena.
CONTACTS
TBILISI CIRCUS CONTACTS
We are always happy to answer your questions and see you at the circus!
TBILISI CIRCUS
TBILISI CIRCUS
Heroes Square, 1