The Summer Theatre in Batumi is a unique place where it’s lively, noisy, and always crowded. It’s hard to imagine a seaside resort without a summer stage and numerous entertainment events.
The Batumi Summer Theatre combines history, cultural heritage, and modern art.
Located on the boulevard in the heart of Batumi, this building attracts tourists with its unique architecture and a variety of events held not only during the peak season. In this article, we will explore the history of the Summer Theatre’s creation and its current role in the cultural life of the city. We’ll also discuss the concerts and performances that can be seen here today.
History of the creation of the Batumi Summer Theatre
The history of the Summer Theater in Batumi goes back to the middle of the last century. In the distant, post-war 1949, architects K. I. Javakhishvili and B. M. Kirakosyan created the first theater building, which immediately became one of the symbols of the city. Their joint project received second prize at the prestigious All-Union competition in Moscow.
The architects conceived the theater as a summer venue for performances. The original theater was built of wood and did not have a single window. Despite this, the premises always had a lot of air and light. Thanks to the unique ventilation, the building was always cool, even on the hottest days.
The style of the building belongs to the popular at that time style “Stalin Baroque”. At the time of construction, the hall had 590 seats. The Summer Theater immediately became a venue for various performances and cultural events, attracting the attention of both locals and tourists.
Summer Theatre today
Unfortunately, in 2001, the original building of the Batumi Summer Theatre was destroyed by fire. However, thanks to the efforts and enthusiasm of the locals, the theatre was rebuilt and reopened in 2013. The architect of the new, phoenix-like rebirth of the summer theatre was Gocha Garuchava. From that moment on, a renewed cultural life began, which continues to thrive to this day.
The new building combines elements of the original 1947 architecture with modern design solutions. This beautiful and elegant structure catches the eye with its unique design, use of multicolored wood, carved patterns, and, in contrast to the original, a large number of windows. In 2013, the theatre’s capacity was increased to 1,100 spectators, allowing it to host large events and concerts.
The theatre is a venue for variety and theatre performances, as well as various festivals. Folk ensembles, children’s studios, theatre troupes and solo artists perform here. Here you can get acquainted with Georgian folklore, traditional songs and dances, and also enjoy modern art. In addition, the theatre building often serves as a backdrop (decoration) for various city events. On such days, the stage for performances is set up right in front of the central entrance to the summer theatre.
Local dance and song groups, gymnasts and acrobats perform at free concerts held at the theatre. In addition, the Summer Theatre is home to various festivals, such as the Golden Fleece International Arts Festival and the Source of Hope in Georgia Arts Festival and Competition. These events allow visitors to immerse themselves in Georgia’s rich culture and enjoy high-quality performances and shows.
How to get there
The Summer Theatre is located in the very center of Batumi right on the seaside boulevard. If you prefer walking, you can walk to the theatre, enjoying the beautiful views of the Batumi Boulevard and the embankment.
If you prefer public transportation, you should know that the nearest bus stops for routes No. 1, 7, 10, 11, and 15 are just 250 meters from the theatre. You can take these buses to reach your destination.
You can also use taxi services. Various taxi services such as Yandex.Taxi or Taxi Bolt operate in Batumi. You can book a ride through these companies’ mobile apps for a quick trip to the theatre.
As a point of reference, use the tennis courts, chessboard, and central fountains on the boulevard. The Batumi Summer Theatre is located between all of these landmarks. Remember, during the summer, the roads are congested, so regardless of the mode of transport you choose, make sure to allow some extra time for traffic.
Conclusion
The Summer Theatre in Batumi is a unique place where history and culture meet modern art. The historical building, destroyed by fire, was restored and replaced by a new, modern building that amazes with its beauty and architectural solutions.
The theatre hosts various concerts, performances and festivals, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of Georgian culture and art.
Getting to the Summer Theatre is easy, and you can choose between walking, public transport or taxi. If you are visiting Batumi, do not miss the opportunity to visit this unique theatre.
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My name is Vitaly Kibitlevsky, I am a tour guide and creator of unique quests in Batumi. If you want to walk around the city with a fascinating storyteller or plunge into an exciting adventure, write to the mail: vitkibit@gmail.com
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