Bolshoi Theatre

One of the best known theaters in the world, the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, traces its history back to 1776. This was when Empress Catherine the Great granted Prince Pyotr Urusov the privilege of maintaining theater performances of all kinds for a period of 10 years. The current Bolshoi building opened on the coronation day of Tsar Alexander II in 1856, and featured a six-tier auditorium decorated in crimson and gold that could seat up to 2,300 people.

The Bolshoi recently re-opened in October 2011 after being closed for a six-year renovation project. The reconstruction and refurbishment of the theater’s main stage employed over 3,000 specialists at the theater each day, as well as an additional 1,000 in restoration workshops outside of the theater. The project not only restored the historical appearance of the theater, inside and out, but it also restored its legendary acoustics while adding state-of-the-art machinery and stage equipment.

Today, the theater once again offers a full repertoire of operas and ballets such as La Traviata, Carmen, Swan Lake and the Nutcracker. Those wishing to catch a performance at the Bolshoi are advised to purchase tickets several weeks in advance as most tend to sell out.

Practical Info

The Bolshoi Theatre is located at 1 Teatralnaya Ploshchad and is accessible from either the Teatralnaya Metro Station (Bolshoi Theatre exit) or the Okhotny Ryad Metro Station (Theatre Square exit). The main stage box office is open daily from 12pm - 8pm, with a break from 4pm - 6pm. You may also purchase tickets online.