Puppet and Youth State Theater

Batumi Puppet and Youth State Theater – A Magical Portal to Fairy Tales

Overview

Nestled in a classical 20th-century building with grand pillars on Memed Abashidze Street in Batumi‘s historic center, the Batumi Puppet and Youth State Theater has been enchanting children and adults alike since its founding in 1936. This cultural heritage monument reopened its doors in 2016 after an extensive reconstruction that added a supplementary floor and a summer hall, breathing new life into its timeless walls. Today, the theater continues its century-old mission with enchanting 45–55‑minute performances of beloved tales like The Little Mermaid, The Three Little Pigs, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, brought to life by lifelike dolls, excellent voice acting, and magnificent music—all at the family‑friendly price of just 7 GEL per ticket.

Location & Contact

💡 The theatre building, located at 59 Memed Abashidze Street in some historical sources, has been officially confirmed at number 49.

Operating Hours & Ticket Prices

Show Schedule

Ticket Prices

💡 Tickets can be purchased at the theatre box office or online via biletebi.ge. During peak season, tickets go on sale a month in advance; during off‑season, they are sold Tuesday through Saturday.

History: From 1930s Dreams to a Cultural Monument

The Early Years (1930–1938)

The desire to establish a puppet theater in Batumi first materialized in the 1930s. According to historical sources, the grand opening took place in 1936 with the play “Kako‘s Tricks” (Kako Oynebi), performed in a bilingual program that offered Georgian and foreign language works to the city‘s youth. The theater of that period was supported by the “Charity Society of Muslim Georgia,” led by Memed Abashidze—ironically, the very figure after whom the street is named.

Soviet Closure (1938–1980)

In 1938, the puppet theater was shut down. Historical sources attribute the closure to the theater‘s association with the Memed Abashidze-led charity society, which fell out of favor under Soviet rule. The building would remain dark for over four decades.

Revival as a State Theater (1980)

It wasn‘t until 1980 that a permanent state puppet theater was finally launched in Batumi. The famous Georgian puppeteer, Professor Givi Sarchimelidze, was appointed as its main director and went on to train generations of puppet theater actors and directors. Under his leadership, the theater began participating in international festivals and competitions and collaborated with various artists and composers, enriching its repertoire year by year.

Modern Restoration (2016)

Since January 14, 2016, the Batumi Puppet and Youth Theatre has resumed its creative activities in a reconstructed building. A supplementary floor and a summer hall were added to the main structure, and the historic building now bears the status of a cultural heritage monument.

Architecture & Building

The theatre is housed in a classical 20th‑century building with an imposing facade featuring grand pillars designed by the artist and architect of Batumi. Described as “large‑scale” and “pompous,” the structure stands as a testament to the city‘s rich architectural heritage.

“In the central part of the city you will easily notice the classical style, the large-scale, pompous building of the twentieth-century, the pillars of which were designed by the artist and architect of Batumi.” – GoBatumi

Performances & Repertoire

The theatre offers professional puppet shows for children with beautiful decorations and captivating storytelling.

Popular Productions

Performance Language

All performances are conducted in Georgian. However, as one reviewer noted: “The show is in Georgian, but the plot is clear”. The lifelike dolls, excellent voice acting, and expressive storytelling transcend language barriers, making the magic accessible to children of all nationalities.

Age Recommendations

• Kokrochina – Recommended for ages 3+
• Most other performances – Suitable for ages 3–10, though adults often enjoy them just as much

“The three year old was interested.” – Wanderlog reviewer

Visitor Experience

What Makes It Special

Reviewers consistently praise the theatre for creating a magical atmosphere that captivates both children and adults.

“Audiences are drawn into a world of magical fairy tales brought to life by lifelike dolls, excellent voice acting, and magnificent music.” – Wanderlog description

Practical Tips

Best Time to Visit

• Tuesday – Saturday – The theatre typically offers shows on these days
• Afternoon (1:00 PM shows) – Most performances scheduled in the early afternoon
• Off‑season – Easier ticket availability (Tuesday–Saturday sales)
• Peak season – Book tickets a month in advance

What to Know

• Ticket price – Just 7 GEL per person, one of Batumi‘s most affordable cultural experiences
• Duration – 45–55 minutes, perfect for young children‘s attention spans
• Language – Performances are in Georgian, but the visual storytelling is universally accessible
• Booking – Tickets available at the box office or online via biletebi.ge
• Age range – Suitable for children ages 3 and up

What to Bring

• Cash – For box office ticket purchases if not booked online
• Camera – For photos outside the beautiful classical building (check photography policy inside)
• Warm clothes – Georgia‘s winters can be chilly; the theatre may not be overly heated

Tips for Non‑Georgian Speakers

• Don‘t let the language barrier discourage you—the visual and musical storytelling is exceptionally strong
• Familiarize yourself with the fairy tale beforehand if you want to follow along more closely
• Many international families report their children enjoying the shows regardless of language

Nearby Attractions

The theatre‘s central location on Memed Abashidze Street puts it within easy reach of other Batumi highlights.

Why You Should Go

Whether you‘re visiting with:

• Young children (ages 3–10) – A perfect introduction to live theatre, with shows tailored to their attention spans and interests
• A family seeking affordable culture – At just 7 GEL per ticket, it‘s one of Batumi‘s best value family activities
• Theatre enthusiasts – Experience a unique Georgian cultural institution with nearly a century of history
• Anyone seeking a magical afternoon – The enchanting performances captivate adults as well as children
• Travelers on a rainy day – A perfect indoor activity when Batumi‘s weather doesn‘t cooperate

The Batumi Puppet and Youth State Theater delivers one of the city‘s most magical and affordable family experiences—a place where fairy tales come to life and children‘s imaginations take flight.

Getting There

The theater is located at 49 Memed Abashidze Street in central Batumi.

• From Europe Square – Approximately 5–10 minutes on foot
• From Piazza Square – Approximately 10 minutes walking
• From Batumi Boulevard – Approximately 10–15 minutes
• By taxi (Bolt) – Any driver knows Memed Abashidze Street
• By public transport – Multiple bus routes stop along Memed Abashidze Street

The theatre‘s central location makes it an easy addition to any exploration of Batumi‘s historic Old Town district.