The building was founded in 1887 as an "Artists' Society". Upon request of the Artists' Society, several celebrated artists were commissioned to paint
frescoes on the walls and ceilings of the basement. These artists included prominent Georgian painters
Lado Gudiashvili and
David Kakabadze, as well as theatre set designer
Serge Sudeikin, who is known for his work for the
Ballets Russes and the
Metropolitan Opera. Two other important Georgian painters, Mose and Iracly Toidze, eventually joined the project as well. The masterpieces that once adorned the lower level of the Rustaveli Theatre were whitewashed during the period of Soviet rule and only a small portion of the frescoes has been restored. In 1921 the building was renamed Rustaveli Theatre. Construction of the theatre was funded by
Alexander Mantashev and it was designed by Cornell K. Tatishchev and
Aleksander Szymkiewicz, Tbilisi's Municipal Architect. From 2002 to 2005 the theatre underwent a thorough renovation, which was largely funded by Georgian businessman
Bidzina Ivanishvili.
Performance facilities The theatre is home to three stages including, the main stage (about 800 seats), the small stage (283 seats) and a
Black Box Theatre (182 seats) for experimental performances. The theatre is also available for conferences and events and houses a large ballroom, a small ballroom and a small foyer. ==Photo gallery==