The Centre was founded in 2005, based on the unification of the G. Chubinashvili Institute of History of Georgian Art and S. Kobuladze Monuments Photo Recording Laboratory. The Centre is subjected to the Ministry of Culture, Monuments Protection and Sports of Georgia.
One of the most important activities of the Centre is the study of
Georgian art of both ancient and modern times, as well as works of art of diverse provenance, kept in museums and private collections in
Problems of protection and preservation of the cultural heritage properties is another significant field of activities of the Centre. Likewise important is generalisation of both local and international experience of the heritage preservation, elaboration of the theoretical conclusions and practical recommendations, critical discussion of the newest achievements and tendencies, dissemination of the positive innovations among the professional community and their introduction in practice. The Centre also undertakes art historical study of the sites to be restored and provides methodological supervision, assessment and monitoring of works. The Centre takes part in the recording of the movable and immovable heritage properties.
In order to successfully perform its activities, the Centre carries out systematic planned recording (measuring, photo and video recording, etc.) of the heritage properties and works of art and maintains archives of the visual materials.
One of the main goals of the Centre is popularisation of the works of art and of the knowledge about them. Therefore apart from the scholarly publications, it provides wide public with books, albums, booklets and other printed or electronic publications intended for the readers of diverse interests.
The Centre keeps tight contacts with high education institutions – many of the Centre staff members are professors or lecturers of art history, while the library and archives of the Centre are always accessible for the postgraduate and doctoral students.
