Residents Divided Over Demolition of Tbilisi Arts Complex

By the Editorial Team · Friday, August 28, 2026

Tbilisi has begun demolishing the Rike Park Music Theatre and Exhibition Hall, a modernist arts complex designed by Italian architects Fuksas Studio and seen as a symbol of the country’s pro-Western aspirations under former President Saakashvili. The decision, approved by local officials who view the unfinished building as unattractive and wasteful, has sparked local debate and criticism from the architects, who argue the demolition erases an important part of Georgia’s recent cultural history.

The demolition of a modernist arts complex in Tbilisi has sparked debate among residents and drawn criticism from its Italian architects. Known locally as the Rike Tubes, the Rike Park Music Theatre and Exhibition Hall was constructed between 2011 and 2012 during the tenure of then-President Mikheil Saakashvili, a pro-Western reformer. Though meant to embody a modern, European-oriented vision for the capital, the complex was never fully completed and has seen limited use since the Georgian Dream party came to power in 2012.

The structure's distinctive tubular design, created by the Italian architectural firm Fuksas Studio and led by Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas, has stood in contrast to Tbilisi’s traditional skyline, characterized by Orthodox church domes and 19th-century buildings. To supporters, it symbolized a forward-looking approach embraced by Saakashvili's administration. However, critics, including some local officials, have viewed the unfinished project as an eyesore that failed to justify its costs.

In May, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze described the building as "ugliness" unsuitable for the capital, leading to the approval of its demolition by the Tbilisi city hall’s architecture service in June. Demolition began in late July and is scheduled to conclude by December 25. The planned removal has prompted mixed reactions among residents. While some have long opposed the building’s visual impact, others regret the loss of an architectural landmark. Elene Tsetskhladze, a local resident, expressed disapproval of the demolition despite disliking the design, arguing that resources allocated to destroying the complex could be better spent on social services such as free school meals and healthcare for the needy.

Tourists have been taking advantage of the remaining time to photograph the complex, capturing a structure viewed by many as a symbol of a contested era in Georgia’s recent history. The architects, Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas, said they were blindsided by the decision, receiving widespread messages of support in the wake of the announcement. “You cannot cancel buildings, you cannot cancel memories,” Massimiliano said, while Doriana added, “You cannot cancel history.” The government did not notify the architects in advance of the demolition plans, leaving them grappling with what they consider a loss of cultural and architectural heritage.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.