Culture House Acropolis, Georgia

The Culture House Acropolis is an unexpectedly grand building in a small mountain town in Georgia. It is a relic of the Soviet era, built in the 1950s. This was a community space for local agricultural workers as a community and entertainment venue. From the outside, it looks more like a temple than a typical cultural centre. There is a clear Greek influence on the style.

I explored this culture house during my 2022 road trip around Georgia.

History of the Culture House Acropolis

In the 1930s and 1940s, the Soviet Union pushed for the collectivisation of agricultural interests for all members of socialist republics. This policy forcibly converted private land into state-controlled collective farms. The broad aim was to increase food reserves for the urban population, supply raw materials for the processing industry, and increase agricultural exports. Typically, each town would have a cultural house designed to serve the workers of their labour collectives. Construction would be funded by any surplus profits from the collectives’ operations. Therefore size and ornateness of a town’s culture house was often a reflection of the workers’ output.

The farmers’ collective in this town was one of the most prosperous in the region, leading to grand plans being drawn up for the ambitious culture house. The large building served as a theatre, as well as a cinema and library. The building also provided a venue for various meetings, including those of the Komsomol (Soviet political youth group) and general town meetings.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the building fell into disuse.

Where did the greek influences come from?

Greek architectural influence on a 1950s Soviet building in Georgia initially seems out of place and raises questions. The facade of the building features classical lines and a portico-style entrance, reminiscent of the Acropolis in Athens. These elements feel entirely unique compared to typical Georgian cultural houses.

In In fact, this town and the surrounding region have historically had a predominantly Greek population. Pontic Greeks settled in this region during the 19th century, and some families trace their roots back even further.

It It is unclear whether the classical Greek styling was part of the original construction from the 1950s or if it was added later. Some suggest these columns and decorative elements were added during a later period of restoration or re-facing. However, it is possible these are original features added to reflect the cultural identity of the Greek workers who comprised the majority of the farmer’s collective.

Exploring a unique Soviet-era Georgian culture house

The main hall is an impressive space, with a large stage area. Essentially this area is an empty shell; the rows of folding seating and any other fixtures were stripped decades ago. The slope of the auditorium is still visible, with the rows of seats tiered and rising towards the back wall. Above, a faded ceiling motif features a stylised star or floral pattern. The design incorporates blue, brown, and orange as intricate patterns made up of five segments with a circular centre.

There is a small upper gallery/balcony, which would have also held a few seats once upon a time. A bust of Lenin is hiding out up here, simultaneously both out of place and also right at home.

Next to the main hall is what looks like a former sports room. The upper walls still bear painted scenes of athletes in motion, undertaking various sporting activities. A handful of old theatre seats have somehow found their way in here; perhaps this side room was in use more recently in some fashion.

In a small collapsing room at the rear of the building, there is another Lenin bust. This larger version stands in the corner; ivy has found its way through a window nearby and clings to his head!