Tbilisi to demolish landmark Rike Jugs complex
The landmark Rike Jugs architectural complex in central Tbilisi, on Europe Square, is being demolished after the city authorities granted permission for the work.
The site, which has remained unused for nearly 15 years, will be redeveloped into a hotel. Most of Rike Park — an area of around 15,000 square metres — will now pass into private ownership.
The complex, known as the Rike Jugs, consists of a music theatre and an exhibition centre. It was built in 2011–2012 in one of the busiest tourist areas of the Georgian capital. The project was conceived by then-President Mikheil Saakashvili and designed by Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas.
The complex was never used for its intended purpose. Construction was completed just as power changed hands in Georgia, and the new ruling Georgian Dream party took a dim view of the Rike Jugs, along with other architectural projects associated with the Saakashvili era. Party members described the complex as a “dump” and said it was an eyesore.
After years of standing empty, the Rike Jugs were eventually put up for sale. Several auctions failed before the complex was sold in 2022 for 10 million lari (about $3.7 million) to businessman David Khidasheli, an associate of Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili. After Khidasheli’s relationship with the authorities deteriorated — leading to the loss of parts of his business and several licences — he decided to sell the property.
The complex changed hands again in 2025, when it was acquired by Rike Domi, a company registered on 25 April that year.
Under the terms of the deal, the company must build a hotel on the site by 2030, investing 44 million lari (around $16.3 million) in the project.
Urban planning experts and anti-corruption researchers say the sale bears signs of corruption. They argue the complex was sold for well below the market value of comparable property in Tbilisi, particularly in a prime tourist area in the city centre. When it was first offered at auction, the asking price for the Rike Jugs was 95 million lari (about $35.2 million)..
Tbilisi demolishes Rike Jugs complex
