tour of studio 8h

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Paul mccartney reaches out to “adrienne from brooklyn” 60 years later, dakota johnson gives a slightly snide tour of studio 8h in new ‘snl’ promo.

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“Hi, I’m Dakota. Welcome to my home away from home, Studio 8H.”

The first promo for Dakota Johnson ‘s Saturday Night Live hosting stint dropped today and it’s a sendup of the now-venerable celebrity home tour genre popular with Conde Nast-y publications like Architectural Digest and Vogue .

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In it Johnson, who’s making her return to the show after first hosting in 2015, takes viewers on a peppy – and slightly snide – tour of Studio 8H.

Among the jabs:

In the makeup room: “Fun fact, all these wigs are made with chinchilla hair. It looks really great on camera, but f*** it stinks!”

She visits Punkie Johnson’s dressing room where general mayhem is afoot before revealing the chaos is a result of one specific demand on her rider.

To see more, watch the clip below.

SNL airs Saturday at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p..m. PT on NBC and streams live on Peacock. Justin Timberlake is this week’s musical guest and, given his history with the show, it’s a good bet he might show up in a skit or two.

RELATED: Gallery Of Actors Who Have Hosted ‘SNL’ The Most

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Studio 8H is the studio used for Saturday Night Live , measuring 6102ft 2 . The studio is a part of NBC Studios, the home of the NBC television network, located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

Construction [ ]

Studio 8H was originally built in 1933, at the time of Radio City’s initial construction. It was intended not only for orchestral performances but also for radio variety programs with large studio audiences. [1] It became the home of Arturo Toscanini's NBC Symphony Orchestra in 1937. At the time of construction, Studio 8H was the world's largest radio studio, 132x78ft feet with a height of three stories, which could house a full orchestra. [2] It was converted for television use in 1950, primarily for the live broadcast of Kraft Television Theatre . [3]

History [ ]

Aside from SNL, two episodes of NBC sitcom 30 Rock , "Live Show" and "Live from Studio 6H" were also broadcast live from the studio, a departure from the show's usual film format. [4] [5]

The first season finale of The Apprentice and the fifth anniversary special of Late Night with Conan O'Brien have both used the studio for one night each. Likewise, Later with Bob Costas , Love, Sidney , the 50th anniversary television episode of Today in 1990, House Party with Steve Doocy , and the fifth anniversary special of Late Night with David Letterman were broadcast from Studio 8H. Last Call with Carson Daly used the studio until 2005, when the show moved to Studio 9 at the NBC Studios in Burbank, California.

The show Your Hit Parade filmed in 8H, where Fred Rogers worked writing music for the program. Years later, Eddie Murphy performed a parody of Mr. Rogers' children’s show character named "Mr. Robinson" on Saturday Night Live in Studio 8H. [6]

In January 1975, a special one-hour episode of the daytime drama The Doctors was taped in Studio 8H. It usually was taped in Studio 3B.

During the Summer of 1990, Today relocated its set from Studio 3B to Studio 8H, to allow for construction of a new set that debuted in Studio 3B on September 10, 1990. [7]

In May 2002, NBC celebrated its 75th anniversary and used 8H to shoot the live broadcast of the event. Lorne Michaels (executive producer of 8H mainstay Saturday Night Live ) executive produced the event. The studio was also used for the live parts of the season finale of The Celebrity Apprentice on March 27, 2008.

MSNBC's Morning Joe news program celebrated its tenth anniversary with a show before a live audience at the studio on September 19, 2017. The studio was also used for the show's post-election coverage on November 7, 2018 [8] as well as November 10, 2016 [9] and November 7, 2012. [10]

References [ ]

• ↑ Bartlett, William. NBC and 30 Rock. NBCUniversal Media. Page 79
• ↑ Blesser, Barry and Salter, Linda-Ruth. Spaces Speak, Are You Listening?: Experiencing Aural Architecture. Page 115
• ↑ Alleman, Richard. New York: The Movie Lover's Guide: The Ultimate Insider Tour of Movie New York. Crown/Archetype. Page59
• ↑ NBC to Air Live ’30 Rock,’ May Expand Sitcom Slate
• ↑ ‘30 Rock’: ‘Live From Studio 6H’ Was Much Needed
• ↑ Fred Rogers on Letterman, February 17, 1982
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wSnGb0V9X4&t=71s
• ↑ Join Morning Joe from Studio 8H
• ↑ ‘Morning Joe’ broadcasts from hallowed Studio 8H post election
• ↑ Morning Joe – Live from Studio 8H / MSNBC
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Optional screen reader, dakota johnson takes us inside studio 8h in new promo for ‘saturday night live’ | thr news video, most recent, jerry seinfeld reveals story behind jason alexander’s iconic ‘seinfeld’ golf ball speech | thr news video, met gala best and worst looks: zendaya, rihanna, kim kardashian & more | thr video, manu rios talks new series ‘breathless’ and reveals how netflix’s ‘elite’ changed his life | thr news video, maite alberdi on making academy award winning documentary ‘the eternal memory’ | thr news video, kristen stewart and oscar isaac to lead in vampire thriller ‘flesh of the gods’ | thr news video, ‘cobra kai’ sixth and final season split into three parts, teaser trailer released | thr news video, emma stone, nathan fielder and a24 to produce ben mezrich chess scandal story | thr news video, ‘the fall guy’ criticized over joke involving johnny depp and amber heard | thr news video.

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Dakota Johnson is gearing up for her hosting return on SNL! The Madame Web star gives a confusing tour of Studio 8H in a promo ahead of hosting her hosting stint for the NBC show this weekend which she calls her home away from home.

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Eyes Of A Generation…Television's Living History

This is a television history book with 10,000 stories, 50,000 rare photos and thousands of one of a kind videos..

• ABC studios – New York
• ABC studios – West Coast
• CBS studios – New York
• CBS studios – West Coast
• CBS Television City Shows, 1954 – 2015
• NBC studios – New York, Volume 1
• NBC studios – New York, Volume 2
• NBC studios – West Coast
• RCA TK10 from WGN
• The Pat Weaver RCA TK30
• RCA TK11/31
• Marconi Mark IV
• Norelco PC60
• Marconi Mark VII
• Ikegami HK312
• Sony BVP360
• My NBC Chimes
• The Early RCA Cameras…1935-1946
• RCA TK10 And TK30
• RCA TK11/TK31
• RCA TK40 And TK41
• RCA TK42/TK43
• RCA TK44/TK45/TK46
• Norelco Cameras
• DuMont Cameras
• Marconi Cameras
• RCA camera catalogs
• Norelco camera catalogs
• GE camera catalogs
• Ikegami camera catalogs
• Hitachi camera catalogs
• Sony broadcast equipment catalogs
• Contribute / Contact

Studio 8H and the Chapman crane

Among the very few things that have not changed since Saturday Night Live debuted in 1975 are the studio it originates from, and the constant use of this Chapman Electra stage crane on the show. We’ve all seen it a thousand times, but never like this before.

Above is the driver’s seat, and you can see the flat panel monitor that shows the driver the camera feed as the crane is moved. Only the rear wheels turn to steer, and you can see the brake pedal that stops the battery-powered rig. Below is the view from the driver’s seat up the boom arm, showing the boom operator’s monitor.

Above, we see the camera operator’s perch and the foot controls used to turn the turret plate the camera and seat are mounted on, which rotates 360 degrees. Below is another great shot of the camera turret with the boom all the way up. Can you say “catbird seat”?

SNL comes from NBC Studio 8H on the 8th and 9th floors of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. As pictured below in this 1939 Life article, 8H was built in the 1930s as a radio soundstage, and originally seated 1250 people. Promotional materials of the day often called 8H the “auditorium studio.” Its most famous tenant was Arturo Toscanini and the NBC Orchestra. In 1950 it was converted to a television studio.

When the show started in 1975, it was decided SNL would originate from 8H. There needed to be a crane for all the frenetic movement in this very busy show, and the Chapman Electra was selected. It has called 8H home since 1975, but it is occasionally used in other studios because when the boom arm is removed, it can fit in the NBC freight elevator to move between floors.

Although 8H has been SNL ‘s home since ’75, it too is also used for other productions and events, such as the Summer Olympics from China in 2008. Below you see you see two photos of the 8H studio floor covered with temporary announce booths. Each booth has a producer’s room and a larger announcer’s room where two or even three announcers watch the live feeds from China and add their commentary.

As you can see in the diagram above, 8H and 8G are side by side. Occasionally, the Chapman works there for projects like national election coverage. Below are two shots from 1978 showing Studio 8H in preparation for a new season of SNL (top) and in 8G, the new election set is getting final, last-minute touch-ups and making ready for camera rehearsal (bottom). With so much action in SNL broadcasts, crane shots are essential, but even in situations like election coverage, the unique visual aspect they offer makes a big difference by adding motion abilities the pedestal cameras can’t. Crane shots make static shot situations more fluid with even a small degree of movement.

Now, it’s time to take a closer look at where the rubber meets the road – literally! Notice the front wheels have two sets of wheels: one set pneumatic and one set hard rubber. The back/steering wheels are single hard rubber wheels. The reason for the dual-form tire arrangement is to give the smoothest possible ride. The single front hard rubber tire gives a firm ride and single front pneumatic gives a softer ride, but together, they give the best possible “Goldilocks” ride: not too hard, not too soft. I’m sure the cable guards come in handy, too.

Operating the crane is basically a three-person operation requiring a driver, a boom arm operator and a camera operator. Below is an amazing time-lapse video of Saturday Night Live in production. Much of it was shot from small cameras mounted on this crane. Interestingly, there are two boom arm operators.

I’ve said on other pages of this site how glorious it must be to run the camera on a Chapman…sheer fluidity and grace in motion. Speaking of motion, here is a schematic that shows this crane’s motion capabilities.

Now, here of some shots of what feels like an old friend…one we’ve known for years. I’m sure many of us would love an hour in John Pinto’s chair. He’s the cameraman, and we’ll meet him below.

The camera shown is a Sony HDC 1500 in the Sony HDLA 1505 build-up kit. In the images below, you’ll see the camera folded back into the boom arm while it’s not in use.

Now that we’ve met the Chapman Electra, let me introduce you to one of the luckiest men in television…the man who gets to ride it. Meet John Pinto.

In 1975, the show Lorne Michaels and Dick Ebersol were developing became a reality. Aside from casting the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players,” the staff casting was going on too. NBC set out to recruit a hip, young, but professional crew…and got it. Among those hired were John Pinto, who was at ABC, and Jan Kasoff and Al Camoin, who were at NBC’s Brooklyn studios, and they stayed for many years. John is still there, but more on John and Jan below.

The first camera in use on SNL was the TK44. Below, we see one on the Chapman, possibly operated by Al Camoin, the original crane cameraman.

The next camera in use at SNL was the TK47.  Below are two shots of a 47 on the Electra, with John at the controls.

I wanted to put this next image further up the page, but held it for here so I could make the comments I want without veering from the Chapman story too much. Now I can say what I was thinking when I first saw the image below, and what it reminded me of.

Before you read further, please take a moment to really look at this photo and see if you see what I see.

At first, I saw just the camera. But then, to my amazement, I also saw perambulators…yes, sound booms. Two of them! Did you notice them in the pictures above? No? Neither did I, but they are there if you look. Then, a shoe dropped.

I thought, wow . How did I not notice the use of these pieces of equipment that were so vital to television just yesterday, but so unique in studios today? Then the other shoe dropped…the big one. Do you have any idea what that epiphany was?

The people! If you visit almost any local TV station these days, the only people you’ll find in the studios is the talent, and maybe a floor director. Yes, there are news cameramen in the field with ENGs, but robotic pedestals and wireless mics have killed the studio crews.

Thank God there’s still production value at SNL that only skilled and experienced humans can satisfy. Only the networks are keeping the art of camera work alive in the studio and in sports. Thank you!

That is not the first time that has occurred to me. It’s one reason for creating Eyes Of A Generation: to memorialize and pay tribute to the behind-the-scenes people…and to all of you, past and present, thank you!

Many thanks to Greg Hill for the images and information. Greg is Operations Manager for Chapman – Leonard, the world’s leading name in cranes and camera support since 1945. Thanks also to Dennis Degan for his great images of 8H, and to the NBC staff in New York who helped with some background details, including John Pinto and Jan Kasoff. You’ll meet Jan below.

One final note on cranes. Just so we don’t forget the Electra’s predecessors at NBC, I’m adding these images.

Below top is the Sanner studio crane. I think this debuted around 1948, just after the TK10/30 came out. The picture from WKY in Oklahoma City was taken in 1950 and by then, they were in wide use at well-heeled local stations and at the networks. CBS used them in New York longer than NBC, but as you see below, one of NBC’s Sanners is hard at work on Your Show Of Shows with Sid Caesar. RCA listed this Sanner in its catalog as the TD-6A.

Below, the great Houston Fearless 30B stage crane that I think came out around 1954, and was built to handle the weight of the new color cameras.

NBC had several of these at 30 Rock, at the Brooklyn I and II studios, and at the Ziegfeld Theater for Perry Como. Burbank had several, too. NBC went to the 30B much earlier than CBS, probably because NBC had a lot of TK41s and CBS did not. I’ve never seen a TK41 on a Sanner, and don’t think it would bear the weight. When CBS added color at Television City, the network bought several 30Bs and used them under the TK11s, too. I think the 30B is beautiful – it kind of has an art deco look to it.

Above is 36-year NBC veteran cameraman Jan Kasoff. His TK-41 is mounted on an HF 30B in use at NBC’s Brooklyn studios in a photo from around 1968. Jan started full-time with NBC in 1967 and until 1978 he worked on soap operas, game shows, sports, news and more. Jan did his first Saturday Night Live in 1977 to cover for a cameraman who was out. He was asked to do SNL as a regular in ’78 and continued there for the next 26 years as a permanent member of the SNL crew until he retired in 2001.

After a six-month hiatus Jan came back to do the show for another year and a half until he became a Florida snowbird. He did his last Saturday Night Live in March 2003. After his second retirement, NBC continued to ask Jan back at busy times; he would return to work NBC Nightly News and other programs. He did his last assignment for NBC in November 2008, when the Florida winters became just too good to pass up. Below, we see Jan on the SNL set just before show time.

Jan got his start by doing what a lot of us used to do: apprenticing. He was around The Perry Como Show set at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York a lot and made himself useful to the staff and crew. He was raised on the TK41s and was one of NBC’s top color cameramen. That camera brings back a lot of fond memories for Jan, and he would just love to have one in his den, but don’t mention this to his wife. (If she complains, Jan, tell her you want the crane, too. That should do the trick.)

One final thing. Here is a table of productions done at NBC New York, showing the studios they come from and some interesting notes. Thanks to Wikipedia.

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Dakota Johnson to Host January 27 Episode of SNL, Justin Timberlake Will Perform

Can't wait to tune in.

The Host and musical guest for Saturday Night Live' s January 27, 2024 episode have been announced, and it's going to be an A-list episode. Read on for more details. 

UPDATE: Watch all of Dakota Johnson's  Saturday Night Live  sketches here!

Who is hosting the january 27, 2024 episode of  saturday night live , how to watch.

Watch Saturday Night Live  Saturdays at 11:30/10:30c on  NBC and next day on  Peacock .  

Dakota Johnson! 

The Madame Web star has hosted once before, the February 28, 2015 episode with musical guest Alabama Shakes. At the time, Johnson was starring in the Fifty Shades of Grey adaptations and joked in her monologue that the films were "based on the best-selling novel that made you want to never touch your mother’s Kindle again.”

She also shared the fact that were it not for Saturday Night Live , she might not even exist. “You may not know this but my parents are Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson. In December of 1988, my mother stood in this exact spot and hosted SNL . And right after the show, my dad got down on one knee and proposed to my mom for the second time. And exactly nine months later, I was born. So I must have been conceived that night after the show, or maybe even during the show,” said Johnson, as the camera turned to her parents in the audience. They were covering their faces not out of embarrassment but out of a fear that their daughter would be, as she is in the Fifty Shades films, naked. But fully clothed, the show went on, showcasing Johnson's deadpan, dry humor.

Who is performing in the January 27, 2024 episode of Saturday Night Live ?

Justin Timberlake ! 

Timberlake is an SNL veteran, having both hosted and appeared as the solo musical guest five times. 

Timberlake's collaborations with Andy Samberg are among the best-known sketches of the 21st century, most famously the music video "D*** In A Box."

Saturday Night Live airs Saturdays at 11:30/10:30c on NBC and streams next day on Peacock. 

Saturday Night Live

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Madonna's Son David, 18, Channels Prince as He Visits the Singer's Studio, Paisley Park: 'Dream Come True'

The teenager has made a name for himself as he's been playing guitar and singing throughout his mom's tour

David Banda/Instagram

David Banda is hitting the studio — Prince's studio, that is.

On Thursday, May 2, the 18-year-old son of Madonna and Guy Ritchie posted a series of photos on his Instagram as he visited the "Kiss" singer's studio, Paisley Park. Wearing a floral suit and a lacy top with an ascot, Banda channeled Prince as he sat at the musician's mixing board.

The teenager was also seen posing on Prince's stage and rocking out with one of his electric guitars as he kneeled for a shot.

"One of the best experiences on this tour," Banda wrote, referencing his mom's Celebration tour. "Having the chance to sit in Prince’s studio and play on his stage. A true dream come true 💟💟💟."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

In an interview with  W. Magazine  in April, Madonna  spoke about how her kids have been performing with her during the Celebration Tour .

"When I go on tour, nothing brings me more happiness than to know we are all working on the same show, creating the magic together," the proud mom said. "It would be boring if they were just traveling from hotel to hotel, and occasionally coming to watch the show."

"Of course, I am their mother so sometimes we get on each other's nerves. We are a family of artists but we are also a family, and that's what happens."

At the "Material Girl" singer's January N.Y.C. show, David came out on stage in full western gear , wearing a matching cowboy hat with his mom and carrying a guitar. The teenager then sang along with his mom and played background guitar during 2003's "Mother and Father."

After the song finished, Madonna took a moment to honor her own mother and her son David's biological mother.

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Moscow Vibes – Three Day City Escape

Duration 3 days

Price from USD $730 ? Currency Conversion Converted from USD based on the latest exchange rate. Final amount and payment will be in USD. Final conversion rate is determined by your bank.

Trip Style Sightseeing

Time of year All Year

Home / Moscow Tours / Moscow Vibes – Three Day City Escape

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This short Moscow tour will give you a true taste of the history, culture and incomparable urban vibe that define one of the world’s largest metropolises. In just three days, this Moscow itinerary takes in all the most iconic sights of this attraction-packed destination. After two and half days getting acquainted with the city, we’ve set time aside for you to explore Moscow your way and discover your own favourite hang-outs in a city overflowing with hidden treasures

3-Day Moscow Tour Highlights:

• Panoramic Tour of Moscow: See Moscow beyond the postcard images on a private excursion by car through the city streets including a drive along the banks of the Moskva River. Visit the famous Bolshoi Theatre, pass by Gorky Park and the Novodevichy Convent, and admire the city from on high at the Sparrow Hill observation platform.
• Moscow Historical City Centre Guided Walking Tour : Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the world’s biggest metropolises and discover local haunts on foot, including the Red Square, the Kremlin and the multi-coloured domes of St Basil’s Cathedral.
• Armory Chamber tour: Explore the endless treasures of this unique museum, displaying the wealth accumulated by Russian rulers from the 12th century until the October Revolution of 1917. Walking through the exhibition halls is a journey through the centuries.
• Moscow Metro Tour : Go deep underground on a subway tour of the famous Moscow metro. The world’s deepest metro system is renowned for its palatial, art-adorned stations, complete with marble columns and chandeliers.

On your first day, you’ll be treated to a panoramic, drive-by tour of Moscow to get a feel for the immense scale of one of the world’s most rapidly developing urban centres. The city’s history unfolds in real-time as you pass lavish imperial mansions, solemn Soviet structures and luxurious modern shopping centres.

Day two kicks off exploring Moscow’s historic centre on foot, followed by a tour of the Kremlin, the seat of Russian power and political intrigue for centuries. Stand in the Red Square, surrounded by the stunning architecture as you hear stories of the people and events behind many of Moscow’s most iconic landmarks.

On your final day, we’ll head beneath the city for a tour of the Moscow Metro and its famously ornate underground stations. Art lovers should hit up one of Moscow’s many world-class galleries such as the Tretyakov State Gallery, the Pushkin Museum or Garage, Moscow’s cutting-edge contemporary art museum. History fans can follow a Soviet trail through the city including Stalin’s Bunker, while those seeking a more indulgent experience can browse trendy neighbourhoods like Kitay Gorod or shop for everything from fashion to kitsch souvenirs at the enchanting Izmaylovo Flea Market. Foodies can head to one of the countless speciality stores sampling vodka, caviar and chocolate.

If you only have a few days to spend in Moscow, this tour will ensure you make the most of your time in the city. Let the experts navigate you through this complex and occasionally overwhelming capital, giving you plenty of time to soak up the city’s most unmissable attractions.

Accomodation

Not Included

Sightseeing

Action rating ?

Type of tour

3 days / 2 nights

Private - Any Date

Day 1 Panoramic city tour

Welcome to the glorious capital of Russia, Moscow! You’ll be met by your driver at the airport and taken to your centrally located hotel.

After check-in and rest, meet your private guide at the hotel lobby for a comprehensive tour of Moscow by car. Visit the starkly contrasting Theatre Square to see the stunning Bolshoi Theatre, pass Tverskaya Street, the city’s main boulevard and home to the landmark Yeleseyevskiy Grocery Store.

You’ll enjoy a panoramic drive along the Moskva River, where a huge, controversial state of Peter the Great was erected. Pass by the legendary Gorky Park and the White House before a stop at the architecturally stunning Novodevichy Convent, and the observation platform at Sparrow Hills, for a bird’s eye view over this staggering megalopolis.

Day 2 Red Square and Kremlin

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the historical city centre. Stroll through the Red Square, the hub of cultural life in Moscow, with its elaborate ‘stone flower’ fountain and fantasy-like St Basil’s Cathedral – a postcard-perfect symbol of the nation. Admire the grandiose façade of GUM, the city’s most luxurious shopping centre, and visit Alexander’s Garden, with its eternal flame and the chance to watch a changing of the guards.

Break for lunch before continuing on a tour of the Kremlin and Armoury Chamber, famous of its collection of tsarist fashion, with regalia such as jewel-encrusted crowns, orbs and sceptres as well as arms and armour, exotic gifts from the leaders of faraway lands, and an illustrious case of Imperial Faberge eggs.

As an option* spend an evening on a sumptuous dinner cruise, taking in the stunning sights and city lights of this mesmerising metropolis by night.

Day 3 Metro and Arbat Street

Start a day with a tour of Metro, stopping on the way to marvel at some of the most elaborately decorated stations of the world-famous Moscow subway system. Take a stroll along Old Arbat street - the most famous street in Moscow. Through the centuries Arbat used to be one of the most bohemian places in Moscow. Today Arbat is a promenade full of small cozy cafes and street life.

The afternoon is free for you to either enjoy the rest of the day on your own or choose among optional excursions to explore more of Moscow. Visit the Tretyakov Gallery or Pushkin State Museum to admire Russian art. Join locals for a stroll at the Gorky or VDNH park.

Visit beautiful Kolomeskoye Estate or Izmailovo Kremlin, or spend a day exploring the beautiful city of the Golden Ring (Russian province) - Sergiev Posad. In the evening you will be transferred to the airport for your departure to your next destination.

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Group airport/train-station arrival and departure transfers

All transportation according to the itinerary with a private driver

4* hotel accommodation in the historical city center (twin/double)

Local licensed English-speaking guide

All activities, indicated in the itinerary, except optional

Entry fees according to the itinerary (skip-the-lines policy)

Russian visa support document

Travel insurance

Russian visa and visa fees. Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for concierge visa service here .

Optional excursions/activities

*Private tour. Price is per person, based on min 2 people

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This in-depth tour is a fun and fascinating discovery of the legacy of Imperialist Russia, just in one week. A showcase for the wealth and tastes of the Emperors of Russia from ...

Classic Moscow – Art, History and Culture

Breathe in the history of Moscow, explore its Imperial and soviet past, dynamic contemporary culture and lifestyle. On this 5-day tour of Moscow, you'll visit the must-see sights ...

Why travel to Russia with 56th Parallel?

Destination Specialists

Our team offers over 18 years of experience travelling and planning travel in Russia. Delivering outstanding travel experiences in Russia’s capitals and in some of the most stunning & remote locations takes experience, special access and the right connections. We make sure that all the fine details are handled perfectly so you can enjoy your Russia travel experience.

Group & Private Tours

The choice to join a small group on a guaranteed departure or chose to travel on your own dates with your own mates. Each destination we travel to in Russia offers an option between private tours and small group tours. Please note: on our adventure tours in remote destinations, we mostly run group tours to keep the cost down.

Bonded & Licensed

56th Parallel is a fully licensed, insured and accredited travel provider.

From USD $730

Day 1: Panoramic city tour

Day 2: red square and kremlin, day 3: metro and arbat street, not included, start planning your tour.

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

City tour of Moscow incl. metro tour

Moscow City Tour is a good chance to get acquainted with the largest city in Russia. During the city tour you will see all the major sights including the Red Square, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Novodevichiy Convent, Poklonnaya and Vorobievy Mountains, Tverskaya Street, Bulvarnoye Koltso (Boulevard Ring), and other attractions. Moscow Metro is recognized as the most beautiful in the world! “They used to have palaces for kings, we are going to build palaces for the people!” said one of the main architects of the Soviet subway. you will see the most beautiful metro stations in Moscow: Komsomolskaya, Revolution square, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya.

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Theatres in Moscow

Cultural life of Moscow city is various and rich! Operas, ballets, symphonic concerts... Russian composers have created some of the most beautiful classical music. Russian classical music is very popular in Moscow. It is performed in many beautiful historical venues. Do not forget to include a visit to a concert hall in your itinerary when you are planning your stay in Moscow! And do it in advance.

There are almost no restrictions on dress code in Russian theatres. Visitors may wear jeans and sports shoes, they may have a backpack with them. Only shorts are not allowed.

A typical feature of Russian theatre – visitors are bringing a lot of flowers which they present to their favorite performers after the show.

Here are some practical advices where to go and how to buy tickets.

The Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre is the oldest, the most famous and popular opera and ballet theatre in Russia. The word “Bolshoi” means “big” in Russian. You can buy a ticket online in advance, 2-3 months before the date of performance on the official website . Prices for famous ballets are high: 6-8 thousand rubles for a seat in stalls. Tickets to operas are cheaper: you can get a good seat for 4-5 thousand rubles. Tickets are cheaper for daytime performances and performances on the New Stage. The New Stage is situated in the light-green building to the left of the Bolshoi's main building. The quality of operas and ballets shown on the New Stage is excellent too. However, you should pay attention that many seats of the Bolshoi’s Old and New Stages have limited visibility . If you want to see the Bolshoi’s Old Stage but all tickets are sold out, you can order a tour of the theatre. You can book such a tour on the official website.

If you want, following Russian tradition, to give flowers to the performers at the end of the show, in the Bolshoi flowers should be presented via special staff who collects these flowers in advance.

In August the Bolshoi is closed.

The Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theatre

This theatre is noteworthy. On one hand, it offers brilliant classical opera and ballet performances. On the other hand, it is an experimental venue for modern artists. You can check the program and buy tickets online here http://stanmus.com/ . If you are opera lover, get a ticket to see superstar Hibla Gerzmava . The theatre has a very beautiful historic building and a stage with a good view from every seat. Tickets are twice cheaper than in the Bolshoi.

The Novaya Opera

“Novaya” means “New” in Russian. This opera house was founded in 1991 by a famous conductor Eugene Kolobov. Its repertoire has several directions: Russian and Western classics, original shows and divertissements, and operas of the 20th and 21st centuries. It is very popular with Muscovites for excellent quality of performances, a comfortable hall, a beautiful Art Nouveau building and a historic park Hermitage, which is situated right next to it. You can buy tickets online here http://www.novayaopera.ru/en .

Galina Vishnevskaya Opera Center

The Opera Center has become one of the best theatrical venues in Moscow. It was founded in 2002 by great diva Galina Vishnevskaya. Nowadays its artistic director is Olga Rostropovich, daughter of Galina Vishnevskaya and her husband Mstislav Rostropovich, great cellist and conductor. Not only best young opera singers perform here, but also world music stars do; chamber and symphonic concerts, theatrical productions and musical festivals take place here. You can see what is on the program here http://opera-centre.ru/theatre . Unfortunately “booking tickets online” is available in Russian only. If you need help, you can contact us at and we can book a ticket for you. 

Tchaikovsky Concert Hall and The Great Hall of Moscow Conservatory

These are two major concert halls for symphonic music in Moscow. Both feature excellent acoustics, impressive interior, various repertoire and best performers. You can check the program here http://meloman.ru/calendar/ . You need just to switch to English. Booking tickets online is available only for owners of Russian, Ukrainian and Belorussian phone numbers. If you need help, you can contact us and we can book a ticket for you. 

Moscow International Performing Arts Center (MIPAC)

This modern and elegant concert hall houses performances of national and foreign symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, solo instrumentalists, opera singers, ballet dancers, theatre companies, jazz bands, variety and traditional ensembles. Actually, it has three concert halls placed on three different levels and having separate entrances. The President of MIPAC is People’s Artist of the USSR Vladimir Spivakov, conductor of “Virtuosy Moskvy” orchestra. You can see pictures of the concert halls here http://www.mmdm.ru/en/content/halls . The program is impressive in its variety but is not translated into English. You can contact us at and we can find a performance for you.