Tbilisi Circus, Tbilisi

The Tbilisi Circus's performances began in the city during its time under the Russian Empire in 1888. The original big-top structure tragically burned down in 1911, leading the circus to relocate to a former wine factory until settling into its home in 1939–1940. The present-day building, designed by architects Nikolay Neprintsev, Vladimer Urushadze, and Stepan Satunts, embraces the Stalinist Empire style and has become one of Georgia’s most notable Soviet-era landmarks.

Built on a hill on the Kura River’s right bank, just above what is now Heroes' Square, the building's rotunda design allowed seating for up to 2,000 spectators-making it one of the largest circuses in the Soviet Union, alongside those in Moscow, Kiev, and Baku.

Following the political and economic turmoil of the 1990s, the circus declined-from disrepair to becoming known for unsavory nighttime activity. In 2003, Georgian tycoon Badri Patarkatsishvili acquired the complex and began its restoration. Although renovations were briefly halted by his death, his sister Mzia Tortladze ultimately reopened the circus in 2011. Since then, it has enjoyed a revival, delighting full houses with international acts, acrobats, aerial troupes, clowns, and animal performers.