lisa's first visit to the bolshoi theatre

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

I love Bollywood, India is an enigma - Russian ballet star

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• Bolshoi to stage concert in support of Kiev Choreographic School
• Bolshoi Theater launched a virtual 3D tour

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

The Bolshoi Theater

The Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow is renowned worldwide for staging some of the most breathtaking and iconic ballet performances. Two of the most famous shows associated with the Bolshoi are "Swan Lake" and "The Nutcracker," both of which are exemplary works of the legendary Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

Many other classical pieces, such as "Giselle," "Spartacus," "Don Quixote," and "Sleeping Beauty," have also found a reverent home on its illustrious stage.

Bolshoi Theater things to note

Bolshoi Theater has 4 stages: Historic stage, New stage, Chamber stage and Beethoven stage. Each of these stages has its own unique repertoire.

Getting a ticket to watch ballet at Bolshoi can be a challenge due to high demand. There is an option to get a group tour to explore architecture and history of Bolshoi with a guide in case you didn’t manage to get the ballet tickets.

It’s fine to wear evening and casual outfits at the theater. Just make sure to avoid wearing any sports clothes.

Bolshoi Theater Location

The majestic Bolshoi Theatre is a historic theatre that stands grandly in the heart of Moscow. It is located at Theatre Square, just a few steps away from the Kremlin and Red Square.

The theatre’s proximity to these other cultural and historical landmarks makes it not only a center for the performing arts but also an integral part of Moscow's cultural scene.

Bolshoi Theater History

The history of the Bolshoi Theatre is intertwined with that of Russian culture and the performing arts. Its origins date back to 1776 when the first standing company was established by Prince Pyotr Urusov and Michael Maddox.

However, the current theatre, as it is recognized worldwide, was inaugurated on January 18, 1825.

Over the years, the Bolshoi has witnessed significant events, survived a devastating fire, undergone several renovations, and seen artistic styles evolve. Despite these challenges, it has remained a stalwart symbol of Russian artistic tradition.

Why is the Bolshoi Theatre so Famous?

The Bolshoi Theatre's fame is rooted in its status as one of the oldest and largest theaters in Russia. Bolshoi Ballet school is one of the most prestigious in the world.

Having premiered many of the greatest Russian operas and ballets, the Bolshoi is synonymous with artistic excellence. Its cultural significance, both within Russia and globally, along with its enduring dedication to the performing arts, secures its position as a legendary establishment in the world of theater.

• #Luxury travel
• #Unusual Moscow
• #Jewish Heritage
• #Russian traditions

Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre is one of the largest theatres of opera and ballet in Russia and one of the most important ones in the world. The complex of buildings of the theater is located in the heart of Moscow, at the Theatre Square.

More than 800 works were performed on the stage of the Bolshoi Theatre, including the first Russian operas and operas by celebrities such as Verdi, Wagner, Bellini, Donizetti, and other composers. The world premieres of operas by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Prokofiev, and Arensky were performed there. The great Rachmaninoff conducted there.

In March 1736, the provincial prosecutor, Prince Peter Urusov began construction of the theatre building on the right bank of the Neglinka River, the corner of Petrovka Street. Then the theatre was called Petrovsky. But Peter Urusov failed to finish the construction. The building burnt down. After the fire, the construction of the theatre building was finished by his companion, the English entrepreneur Michael Medox. It was the first professional theatre. The repertoire of the theatre included drama, opera, and ballet performances. The Petrovsky Theatre was opened on December 30, 1780. It burnt in a fire in 1805. The new building, constructed under the direction of Carlo Rossi on Arbat Square, also burnt down in 1812. In 1821-1825 a new theatre building was constructed by Alexander Mikhailov in the same place. The construction was supervised by architect O. Bove. The building was significantly increased in size, that’s why it was named Bolshoi Theatre which means grand. 

After a fire in March 1853, the building was restored under the direction of architect A. Kavos. During the reconstruction after the fire, the building was completely rebuilt and decorated with a white stone portico with eight columns. The building of the theatre is one of the best examples of Russian classical architecture. The building is crowned with the world-famous bronze quadriga of Apollo by Peter Klodt. There was set a gypsum two-headed eagle — the national emblem of Russia at the front of the building. The nine muses with Apollo were placed on the ceiling of the auditorium. Thanks to the creativity of Albert Kavos, the building fits perfectly into the surrounding architectural structures. 

Five tiers of the auditorium can accommodate 2,100 spectators. According to its acoustic properties, it is considered one of the best in the world. In 2005, the reconstruction of the theater started, and after 6 years of colossal work October 28, 2011, there was the opening of the main stage of the country. The area of the Bolshoi Theater was doubled and reached 80,000 square meters, there appeared the underground part, and there was restored unique acoustic system of the hall. The scene now has a capacity of a six-story building, all the processes where are computerized. The murals were renovated in the White Foyer. The Jacquard fabrics and tapestries in the Round Hall and the Imperial Foyer were restored within 5 years by 156 artists from all over Russia.

The Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow is one of the world's major theaters. The theatre played a significant role in Russian in the development of musical and stage school and Russian national art, including the famous Russian ballet.

• #Russian History

We use cookies to improve your experience on our Website, tailor content, and measure advertising. By continuing to use our Website, you accept our Privacy Policy .

Your request has been sent successfully! Our travel expert will contact you shortly.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.