Friday October 24, 2014 Sunny & 60s F.
This morning, the group assembled after breakfast to listen to a short lecture about the history of Georgia from prehistoric times to the present. This formed the background for our visit to the Fine Arts Museum to see Georgia’s historical treasures. Unfortunately, photography was not allowed. Check out their website: www.museum.ge The museum is located across the square from the Marriott Courtyard. A small park faces the building with a statue of Pushkin looking at the museum.
Afterwards, we walked down the street to have lunch in an underground restaurant. There seemed to be many underground tunnels and spaces in Tbilisi which were used for commercial spaces such as restaurants. This particular one was two levels below the street.
We had a free afternoon so I joined Nola and Janet to visit The National Gallery which is further along Rustiveli Street next to the beautiful Kashveti Church pictured below. The main entrance is located in the back of the building. I saw an interesting photography exhibit of American jazz musicians and contemporary Georgian art.
There was an exhibit of Georgia’s best known painter, Niko Pirosmani. We had heard many good things about him and wanted to see his works. Pirosmani’s simple paintings were appealing because they depicted rural Georgian life.
On the way back to the hotel, we also stopped at the Museum of Georgia to see their exhibits. There were several floors of historical artifacts.
There was a special exhibit of paintings by various members of George Balenchine’s talented family in celebration of the choreographer’s 110th anniversary of his birth.
Today was our last day in beautiful Tbilisi. I was so happy to finally visit this historic and lovely city.
