Writer's House of Georgia

The Writer's House of Georgia is a mansion in Tbilisi dedicated to the promotion of literature and a focal point of Georgian literature. The mansion was built by David Sarajishvili, an entrepreneur, between 1903-1905.[1] The architect of the building was Karl Zaar, and the building combines art noveau with neobaroque style elements.[2] The terrace mosaic is made from tiles by Villeroy and Boch.[3] It is located in Sololaki, on Ivane Machabeli Street 13.[1]

The Writer's House was a location in which major figures of Georgian literature, such as the Blue Horns group, met in the early 1920s. Paolo Iashvili committed suicide at the Writer's House on July 22, 1937.[4]

From 2008 onward, the building was re-dedicated to literature, and now serves as a hub for major literary and cultural events.[1]

In 2017, the Writer's House launched a residency program.[5] On the 100 year anniversary of the Soviet occupation, in 2021, with support of "Tbilisi - UNESCO World Book Capital 2021", the Museum of Repressed Writers was opened at the Writer’s House.[6][4] This exhibit, covering two rooms, has been designed by Mariam Natroshvili and Detu Jincharadze.[4]

The Writer's House current director is Natasha Lomouri, who was appointed in 2011 and leads the institution as of 2023.[4][7] In summer months, the Writer's House also houses a restaurant in its garden.[3]

The goals of the Writer's House are the popularization of Georgian literature, the growth of creative translation, support for various literary processes, the establishment of literary competitions and awards, active engagement with foreign governmental and non-governmental structures, and the publication of literary journals. The Writers' House focuses its operations in the following directions to achieve these goals: 1. Enhancing literary-cultural activities 2. Develop museum activity 3. Strengthening international relations 4. Developing educational processes.[1]