National Parliamentary Library of Georgia, Tbilisi

The National Parliamentary Library of Georgia stands as the country’s foremost research library and cultural institution. Originating in 1846 as the Tiflis Public Library, it evolved through various incarnations-from the State Public Library to the National Library-before being placed under parliamentary governance in 1996 and named in honor of the esteemed Georgian writer and public figure Ilia Chavchavadze in 2000.

The Library's complex spans six buildings in central Tbilisi, with the earliest-often referred to as Building I-receiving historical and architectural acclaim. This structure, designed by architect Anatoly Kalgin with artistic contributions by Henryk Hryniewski, was constructed between 1913 and 1916 as the Bank of Nobility. Its Art Nouveau aesthetic features a light-filled atrium framed by iron and glass, sinuous lines reminiscent of organic forms, and classical touches like Palladian motifs.

More than just an architectural landmark, the Library holds a vast and diverse collection-over 3.9 million items-encompassing rare Georgian publications, scientific works, and international materials. Its mission extends beyond preservation into digital innovation: it hosts elaborate electronic catalogues, a digital library platform, and contributes to national bibliography and librarianship development across Georgia.