History and Architecture
The building was originally founded in 1879 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 Russian theatre set designer Serge Sudeikin, Lado Gudiashvili and David Kakabadze, among others. Two important Georgian painters, Mose and Irakli Toidze, eventually joined the project as well. Unfortunately, the unique 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 able to be 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.
Read more about this topic: Rustaveli Theatre
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