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Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre

9 min. to read

The Bolshoi Theatre of Russia is a symbol of national theatrical culture, recognized worldwide. Located in the very heart of Moscow, the majestic building has become an integral part of the country's cultural heritage. The theatre is renowned for its rich traditions of opera and ballet, unique architecture, and distinctive atmosphere. The Bolshoi Theatre is a legendary place in the world of art — a symbol of Russia’s cultural heritage, famous for its opera and ballet productions. Here, rich history, magnificent architecture, and a contribution to the development of theatrical art come together. In this article, we will explore why the Bolshoi Theatre is so famous, where its name came from, and what can be seen behind its walls besides performances. If you are looking for information about tours of the Bolshoi Theatre or interesting facts about it, read on.

The Birth of a Theatrical Legend

The history of the famous theatre began in the spring of 1776, when Empress Catherine II granted Prince Pyotr Urusov the privilege to hold theatrical performances and entertainment events in Moscow. This event is considered the official founding date of the theatre, although the establishment was originally called the Petrovsky Theatre after its location.

The Partnership of Urusov and Maddox

Urusov’s partner was the Englishman Michael Maddox — a talented entrepreneur and mechanic. After a series of financial failures, Urusov transferred the rights to the theatre enterprise to his partner. Maddox built a three-story brick building on Petrovka Street, which opened in January 1781 and could accommodate about a thousand spectators.

Trial by Fire: A Series of Fires

The fate of the theatre proved to be dramatic. The building repeatedly suffered from devastating fires:
  • The first fire occurred even before the official opening of Prince Urusov’s theatre
  • In 1805, fire destroyed the Petrovsky Theatre
  • The wooden building erected on Arbat Square burned down during the Moscow fire of 1812
  • The catastrophic fire of 1853 left only the stone walls and colonnade of the theatre

Rising from the Ashes

After each disaster, the theatre was rebuilt anew. The most significant reconstruction took place between 1820 and 1825 under the direction of architects Andrei Mikhailov and Osip Bove. It was Bove who created the majestic neoclassical building that still adorns Theatre Square today.

Architectural Splendor

The modern appearance of the Bolshoi Theatre took shape after its restoration in 1856, carried out by architect Albert Cavos. A specialist in theatre construction, he not only rebuilt the building but also significantly improved its design and functionality.

Unique Acoustics

Cavos designed the auditorium like a musical instrument. The wooden ceiling made of resonant spruce, special wall upholstery, and papier-mâché decorations created unparalleled acoustics. The sound in the hall is naturally amplified while maintaining crystal clarity.

The Quadriga of Apollo

The main adornment of the façade became the bronze quadriga of Apollo by sculptor Pyotr Klodt. The chariot of four horses with the ancient god of the arts turned into a recognizable symbol of the theatre, even depicted on Russian banknotes.

Massive Reconstruction of the 21st Century

From 2005 to 2011, the Historic Stage was closed for global restoration. The work lasted six years and cost more than 35 billion rubles. The result exceeded expectations: the theatre gained six underground levels, modern technical equipment, and almost doubled its area to 80,000 square meters.

Recreating Historical Interiors

Restorers meticulously recreated the 19th-century appearance. They studied old techniques and used authentic materials. The gilding was done by hand — 4.5 kilograms of gold leaf were used for the hall’s decoration. The fabrics for the upholstery were recreated based on historical samples using antique looms.

The Halls and Stages of the Theatre Complex

The Historic Stage

The main auditorium accommodates 1,740 spectators. Its Renaissance-style interior amazes with luxury: gilded stucco, scarlet draperies, and a massive two-ton crystal chandelier. Each tier is decorated with unique papier-mâché ornaments covered in gold.

The Beethoven Hall

An underground concert hall for 330 people appeared during the latest reconstruction. Its unique feature is the mechanical platforms that allow transforming the space and changing the configuration of the stage and audience seating.

The Imperial Foyers

A suite of ceremonial halls leads to the Royal Box. The Grand Imperial Foyer is decorated with red satin and silk panels embroidered with colored wool. The Small Foyer is called the Round Hall because of its domed ceiling — it has amazing acoustics, where even a whisper can be heard from the center of the room.

The New Stage

The theatre’s branch on Bolshaya Dmitrovka Street opened in 2002. The hall, with 879 seats, is equipped with modern lifting mechanisms. The ceiling is painted according to sketches by theatre artist Léon Bakst.

The Theatre Museum

The Bolshoi Theatre Museum holds 200,000 exhibits: antique posters and programs, costumes from the 18th–20th centuries, and personal belongings of actors and composers. Exhibitions are displayed in special halls showcasing thematic selections from the main collections.

Repertoire Through the Centuries

In its early years, the theatre mainly staged dramatic works and comic operas. In the 19th century, legendary Russian operas by Glinka — “A Life for the Tsar” and “Ruslan and Lyudmila” — were performed here, along with masterpieces by European composers.

The Golden Age of Russian Ballet

The turn of the 19th and 20th centuries marked a flourishing period. The repertoire included operas by Rimsky-Korsakov and Mussorgsky, and ballets by Tchaikovsky — “Swan Lake” and “The Nutcracker.” The Soviet era enriched the playbill with works by Prokofiev, Asafyev, and Glière.

Modern Playbill

Today, the theatre combines classical repertoire with new productions and modern interpretations of legendary stories. More than eight hundred performances are staged annually across its three venues.

The Theatre During the War

During the Great Patriotic War, the troupe was evacuated to Kuibyshev, where performances continued. The building in Moscow was camouflaged as a residential house — thanks to this, it was almost unharmed. In March 1942, the Seventh Symphony by Shostakovich was performed on the stage of the evacuated theatre.

Amazing Facts

  • The first troupe had 43 actors; today, the theatre employs over a thousand artists
  • Two special tulip varieties, bred by a Dutch horticulturist and named after the theatre and ballerina Galina Ulanova, are planted annually in front of the building
  • On the 100-ruble banknote, Apollo is depicted naked, although the real sculpture after restoration features a fig leaf
  • The Historic Stage chandelier weighs 2.5 tons and is decorated with 13,000 crystal elements
  • The Royal and Director’s Boxes are closed to the public — they are reserved for theatre management and honored guests

How to Visit the Theatre

Address of the Historic Stage: Theatre Square, 1. The nearest metro stations are “Teatralnaya” and “Okhotny Ryad.” The New Stage branch is located at Bolshaya Dmitrovka, 4/2, and the Chamber Stage at Nikolskaya Street, 17/1.

Theatre Tours

You can visit the Bolshoi not only for a performance. Guided tours offer a glimpse behind the scenes, into the underground Beethoven Hall, the luxurious 19th-century interiors, and the famous auditorium. The 90-minute tour includes a story about the theatre’s history and, if you’re lucky, a chance to witness a rehearsal.

The Bolshoi Theatre Today

The modern Bolshoi Theatre is not just a stage for performances but a living organism of Russian culture. Outstanding conductors, directors, and artists work here, many of them recipients of the highest honors. The troupe tours around the world, representing the finest examples of Russian opera and ballet art. Since 2023, the theatre has been led by conductor Valery Gergiev. Under his direction, the traditions established by his predecessors continue to evolve. The theatre actively uses modern technology: it broadcasts performances online and organizes open-air screenings on the main façade’s large screen. The Bolshoi Theatre remains a place where classical art meets innovation, where historical heritage is carefully preserved while looking boldly into the future. For any lover of theatrical art, visiting the Bolshoi is an unforgettable experience — a touch of the living history of Russian and world culture.
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