In 1853, the authorities took control of the garden to create an example agricultural farm. By 1858, it had been converted into a public recreation center. Notably, in 1935, one of the world's first children's railways was established here, highlighting its historical innovation.
One of the garden's remarkable features is its alley of local relict trees, the Zelkova. Additionally, the garden hosts several facilities, including a restaurant, snack bar, and an open-air theater. In 1887, a Caucasian silkworm rearing station was founded on the garden's grounds under the supervision of Nikolai Nikolaevich Shavrov. The main building, constructed in 1892 and designed by architect Alexandre Shimkevich with input from Shavrov, is now the State Silk Museum of Georgia, one of the world's oldest silk museums.
The garden spans approximately 110,000 square meters. In the latter half of the 19th century, it was a venue for receptions of high-ranking guests. Today, it serves as a beloved public space where locals enjoy leisurely walks and various attractions, including the unique curved mirrors. Enjoy your visit to this significant and serene part of Tbilisi's heritage.
