Resume. According to the authors of the article, pseudo-styles mix and dubious stylistic priorities of the new building of the Museum of Fine Arts on the central thoroughfare of Tbilisi at 7 Rustaveli Ave., deserve a healthy dose of sound criticism.

In 1868, arch. O. Simonson built on this site court chambers, which in 1874 by arch. A. Zaltsman was rebuilt for the hotel "Orient"; later the building turned into an Intourist hotel. In 1977 the House of Artists settled in the building, but in 1991, because of the Tbilisi War, the former hotel was completely destroyed.

Recently the Museum of Fine Arts was completed on this site according to the project by arch. Archil Kurdiani (Jr.). The new building is decorated with an abundance of decor, traces of various historical and cultural precedents are visible, among them the most prominent is the Venetian architecture of the Palazzo Ducale. A huge statue of a bronze eagle rises above the central entrance of the richly ornamented main facade along Rustaveli Ave. The facade that faces Gudiashvili Street is radically different. It uses modern materials - glass, metal, the shapes are geometric and minimalistically solved, while the other two facades are a mixture of Art Nouveau, Baroque and others, in some cases - of unknown styles.

In its time, the building permit issued by the city authorities for the construction of this building provoked a critical reaction of the majority of experts and the public. In their opinion, the construction of a new building introduced a discord into the development of the avenue. Positive ratings were in the minority.

For the authors of the article, a completely modern and bold solution would be more appropriate for this site, a new word in the stylistic diversity of the Avenue, which would not oppose the context, history and public opinion, for the architect's duty is to respect the urban past, when he deals with it in the process of a new building design.