Landmarks
Batumi Ilia Chavchavadze State Drama Theatre
ბათუმის დრამატული თეატრი
Classical-style 1937 theatre in Batumi's old centre, home to Adjara's main drama company.
The Ilia Chavchavadze Drama Theatre stands in Batumi's old city centre, near the sea and the port. The current building opened on 18 March 1937 and was designed by Leonid Teplitsky. Tall columns and ornate capitals give it a classical look, and it seats about 600. Two lion sculptures from the 2nd century BC, found during excavations in Tsnori, stand at the entrance.
Georgian theatre in Batumi dates back to 20 July 1879, when local amateurs gave the first performance. The company received academic status in 1921 and took Ilia Chavchavadze's name in 1959.
Good to know
- The building is lit up at night.
- Inside is a museum dedicated to the actor Gaioz (Kukuri) Gogiberidze, with archive photos, recordings and posters.
Sources
Facts checkedFacts checked by Kartvelio on 20 October 2026.
The guide text is written with AI from the sources below; Kartvelio checks the facts.
- Batumi Drama Theater - Visit Ajara, consulted on 20 October 2026
