Tbilisi State Academy of Arts
An architectural gem featuring a stunning 'palace of mirrors' within a historic mansion, though art displays are limited.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Tbilisi State Academy of Arts
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An architectural gem featuring a stunning 'palace of mirrors' within a historic mansion, though art displays are limited.
"Impressive architecture, but be aware of limited art and potential room closures for the price. "
Check Room Availability
Ask about which rooms are open before buying tickets to ensure value for money.
Inquire About Pricing
If parts are closed, inquire about adjusted ticket prices.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Palace of Mirrors
Interior
An astonishing Persian-style hall of mirrors within an old mansion, offering a unique visual spectacle.
Impressive Architecture
Exterior and Interior
The historic mansion housing the academy boasts striking architecture, a visual treat for enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations for Art Displays
Budget-Friendly Viewing Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Is Tbilisi good student life city ?
Check Room Availability
Ask about which rooms are open before buying tickets to ensure value for money.
Inquire About Pricing
If parts are closed, inquire about adjusted ticket prices.
Student Connections
If studying here, expect to make interesting friends who often hang out together.
Free Art Exploration
Consider exploring Tbilisi's streets for free art; reviews suggest you'll see more.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Room Availability
Ask about which rooms are open before buying tickets to ensure value for money.
Inquire About Pricing
If parts are closed, inquire about adjusted ticket prices.
Student Connections
If studying here, expect to make interesting friends who often hang out together.
Free Art Exploration
Consider exploring Tbilisi's streets for free art; reviews suggest you'll see more.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Tbilisi State Academy of Arts is noted for its impressive architecture, particularly the 'palace of mirrors,' but receives significant criticism for its limited art displays, frequent room closures, and perceived poor value for the entrance fee. Staff interactions have also been described as negative.
"I’ve never felt more disappointed and misled by a supposed “art academy” in my life. The Tbilisi Academy of Arts turned out to be a complete scam. There was virtually no actual art to see, and many rooms were shut – after we had already paid.
There were no labels or descriptions on anything, not even the mirrors, which made it impossible to understand what we were looking at (if anything at all). When we asked the reception lady for basic information, she was rude, dismissive, and completely unhelpful
Even worse, the behavior from staff felt discriminatory and racist, which made the entire experience not only frustrating but also extremely uncomfortable.
Don’t waste your time or money of 12 liras per person here. There is no transparency, no professionalism, and no respect for visitors. You’re better off walking through the streets of Tbilisi for free – you’ll see more real art"
manjunath vinayagam
"This is a hidden gem in Tbilisi.
The Academy of Arts is housed in an old mansion, inside of which is a palace of mirrors in the Persian style. Well worth seeing."
Ted Hazard
"Architecture is impressive, but keep in mind that currently part of an exhibition is closed (which isn't reflected in the price & no one tells you this when buying the ticket).
So it costs 12 GEL to visit 5 rooms in 10 minutes."
Janja Štefanič
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The academy is located in Tbilisi. You can reach it via local buses or taxis. It's advisable to use a navigation app for real-time directions.
Parking in Tbilisi can be challenging. It's recommended to use public transport or ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles.
From the city center, you can take a short taxi ride or a bus. Check local transport apps for the most convenient routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is reportedly 12 GEL. However, visitors have noted that parts of the exhibition may be closed, leading to concerns about value for money.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available. It's best to inquire directly at the reception upon arrival.
The hours of operation can be arbitrary, and it's recommended to check in advance or be prepared for potential changes.
Currently, there is no information available about online ticket purchases. Tickets are typically bought at the venue.
Visitors have expressed dissatisfaction when parts of the exhibition are closed without prior notice or price adjustment. It's advisable to ask about open sections before purchasing tickets.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Reviews suggest there is limited actual art to see, with many rooms being shut. The main draw appears to be the architecture and the 'palace of mirrors'.
Visitors have reported a lack of labels or descriptions for the exhibits, making it difficult to understand what is being displayed.
Given the limited exhibits and potential closures, a visit can be very short, with some visitors spending only about 10 minutes.
Unfortunately, reviews indicate that staff can be rude, dismissive, and unhelpful when asked for information.
The 'palace of mirrors' and the architecture itself offer good photographic opportunities, though visitor experiences with staff can be a deterrent.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is no shop or dining facility mentioned within the academy premises.
You'll need to explore the surrounding streets of Tbilisi for dining options, as the academy itself does not offer food services.
📸 📸 Photography
While not explicitly forbidden, the experience might be hampered by staff attitudes. The 'palace of mirrors' is a popular subject.
The Persian-style palace of mirrors is the standout feature for photography. The overall architecture of the old mansion is also impressive.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Budget Travelers
If you're on a tight budget, consider asking about which rooms are open before purchasing a ticket. Some visitors have noted that you might be able to see the initial rooms without paying the full price, as the ticket desk is located further inside. Alternatively, exploring the streets of Tbilisi for free art is a highly recommended budget-friendly option.
Art Enthusiasts
While the architecture and the 'palace of mirrors' are visually striking, they may not satisfy those seeking a comprehensive art exhibition. The lack of labels and informative staff further detracts from an educational art experience. It might be more of an architectural curiosity than a destination for art connoisseurs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Visitor Experience
Compounding these issues, there's a notable absence of labels or descriptions for any displayed items, making it difficult for visitors to understand the context or significance of what they are seeing. When seeking information from staff, the experience has been described as rude, dismissive, and unhelpful, with some reviews even mentioning discriminatory behavior.
Given these recurring criticisms, it's advisable for potential visitors to manage their expectations. While the architectural beauty is undeniable, the 'art' aspect and the overall visitor service may not meet expectations for the price. Some suggest that exploring the streets of Tbilisi offers a more rewarding and free art experience.
Student Life and Connections
These friendships often translate into social activities, with students typically hanging together. This suggests that while organized events or a vibrant nightlife might be less prominent, the personal connections formed within the academy can lead to a rich social experience.
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