Moscow State Variety Theater

Moscow State Variety Theater is one of the most significant cultural landmarks of the Russian capital. Located at Bersenevskaya Embankment, 20/2, this concert hall has become a symbol of Russian variety art and a place where legendary performers began their journeys.

History of the Theater’s Creation and Development

The Birth of the Variety Theater

The history of the institution began on June 5, 1954, when a group of Moscow variety artists led by Nikolai Smirnov-Sokolsky opened a theater on Sadovo-Triumfalnaya Square. The building at 1/29 had previously housed the Alkadar restaurant and the Satire Theater. The first performance presented to the public was the production “His Birthday,” directed by Alexander Konnikov. In the young Soviet Union, variety art was for a long time banned as a bourgeois relic. From 1936, artists were deprived of a permanent venue for performances. The opening of a specialized theater became a real event for fans of the genre.

Relocation to Bersenevskaya Embankment

In February 1961, the theater found its current home in the legendary architectural complex “House on the Embankment,” designed by architect Boris Iofan and built between 1928 and 1931. Its location in the center of Moscow, near the Kremlin, emphasized the institution’s status as an important cultural center. By the time of the relocation, the theater already had two branches — in the Hermitage Garden and the Bauman Garden. From the very first days, the staff included its own orchestra conducted by the outstanding composer Nikolai Minkh.

Eras of Artistic Directors

Alexander Konnikov and Patriotic Programs

Since 1970, Alexander Konnikov served as the theater’s artistic director. His tenure marked a period of flourishing and peak popularity. Konnikov expanded the repertoire with patriotic programs and developed the spoken genre, which was innovative at the time. The program “Visiting Us” introduced Moscow audiences to talents from the Soviet republics — Raimonds Pauls, Jaak Joala, the Chervona Ruta ensemble, and many other performers.

Boris Brunov and Star Concerts

The year 1983 was marked by the arrival of the experienced master of ceremonies Boris Brunov. Under his leadership, solo concerts by recognized stars such as Alla Pugacheva and Iosif Kobzon took place. The project “Variety Art for the Young” launched the careers of Philipp Kirkorov, Valery Leontiev, Alexander Serov, Elena Vaenga, and other artists.

Gennady Khazanov: A New Direction

In 1997, by decree of the Mayor of Moscow, Gennady Khazanov became the head of the theater. Khazanov radically changed the concept: he reduced variety performances, disbanded the orchestra, and prioritized dramatic productions featuring actors from the Anton Chekhov Theater. The repertoire was expanded with musicals and children’s productions, which had been rare in Soviet times. This uncompromising management policy drew criticism, yet brought a fresh impulse to the theater’s activities. In 2011, the theater hosted concerts of the project “Citizen and Poet,” where Mikhail Efremov recited poems by Dmitry Bykov on current political topics.

Restoration and Renovation of the Building

The Large-Scale Project of 2017–2020

In 2017, Moscow authorities initiated a comprehensive restoration of the theater as part of a program to create a high-quality urban environment. For 60 years, the building had never undergone major renovation, making the project extremely important for preserving cultural heritage.

Revival of the Historic Appearance

Restorers recreated unique interior elements: the portico colonnade, pilasters, parquet flooring with its original geometric pattern, plaster moldings, and ceilings. Particular care was taken to restore the facade plaster, which has historical value. An incredible discovery was made in the first-floor foyer — beneath layers of coarse paint, elegant artwork was found. Almost the entire surface is decorated with diamonds featuring floral rosettes, and a plant ornament runs along the perimeter of the vault base. At the highest point is a round molded rosette. The auditorium received new comfortable seating, and the stage was equipped with high-tech lighting and sound systems suitable for performances of any complexity. Marble staircases guide visitors through the restored historic interiors.

Modern Repertoire and Events

The auditorium seats 1,300 people, allowing for large-scale culturally significant events in various formats. The program includes: - Educational performances for children and young audiences - Concerts by musical performers of various genres - Musicals and dance shows - Dramatic and comedic productions - Creative evenings with renowned artists Among the notable premieres of recent years are the dance show “Grand,” Gennady Khazanov’s creative evening “The Meeting Place Has Changed,” “A Non-Concert Without Intermission,” the musical “Between Two Worlds” featuring Valeria Lanskaya and Efim Shifrin, and the drama “Einstein and Margarita.”

Stars Who Began on This Stage

The Variety Theater gave a start in life to many talents. This stage hosted the first monologues of Yevgeny Petrosyan and Gennady Khazanov. Alla Pugacheva, Sofia Rotaru, Valery Leontiev took their first steps here, followed later by Philipp Kirkorov, Alexander Novikov, Andrey Bandera, Elena Vaenga, and Denis Maidano v. World-renowned international artists also performed on this stage: Édith Piaf, Mireille Mathieu, Marlene Dietrich, Dean Reed. The Leningrad Miniature Theater of Arkady Raikin toured here, as did the orchestras of Leonid Utyosov and Oleg Lundstrem. The theater’s productions featured People’s Artists and Honored Artists of Russia: Alisa Freindlich, Oleg Basilashvili, Vitaly Solomin, Larisa Udovichenko, Alexander Shirvindt, Mikhail Derzhavin, Vladimir Menshov, Vera Alentova, Tatyana Vasilyeva, Evgeniya Simonova, Chulpan Khamatova, Elena Proklova, Valery Zolotukhin, Alexander Abdulov, Andrey Panin. Under the theater’s vaults, the creative and family duet of interlude masters Mironova–Menaker was formed — the parents of the beloved Andrey Mironov.

Interesting Facts About the Theater

- The lobby houses a unique piano created in the 18th century - The architectural complex “House on the Embankment” was the tallest building in Moscow for more than 20 years - All-Union and All-Russian variety artist competitions were regularly held here - The theater organizes charitable events for socially vulnerable citizens - Anniversary evenings of famous composers and artists have become a tradition of the institution

How to Get to the Theater

Address and Coordinates

Address: Moscow, Bersenevskaya Embankment, 20/2 Coordinates: 55.744750, 37.611413 Phone: +7 (495) 959-05-93 Official website: teatr-estrada.ru

Metro

The nearest metro stations are Borovitskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Alexandrovsky Garden. From Kropotkinskaya and Borovitskaya stations, exit to Borovitskaya Square and cross the Moskva River via the Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge. The walk takes about 15 minutes.

Surface Transport

Buses 297, 538 — stop “Variety Theater” Bus s755 — stop “Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge” (cross the bridge)

By Car

When traveling by private vehicle, it is recommended to park near Bolotnaya Square and walk a few minutes, as parking spaces directly near the theater are scarce.

Hours of Operation

Box office hours: daily from 11:00 to 20:00 Break: 15:00 – 15:30 Tickets can be purchased online on the theater’s official website or at the box office.

What to See Nearby

A visit to the Variety Theater can be combined with a walk through Moscow’s historic center. Within a small area are: - Cathedral of Christ the Savior — a grand cathedral rebuilt on its historic site - Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts - Museum of Russian Estates - Art galleries - Kremlin Gas Station — the oldest gas station in the capital - Bolotnaya Square If desired, you can walk to the Moscow Kremlin and enjoy views of the historic center. River cruises with views of the theater and the “House on the Embankment” allow you to see the architectural ensemble from the water.

An Architectural Gem of the Capital

The Variety Theater is located in the famous “House on the Embankment” complex, which is itself an iconic place and architectural monument. Designed by Boris Iofan, the building is an outstanding example of Constructivism. Its location in the very heart of the capital makes the theater accessible to residents of all Moscow districts and city guests. Proximity to the Kremlin, Red Square, and other attractions allows a theater visit to be included in a rich sightseeing program.

Conclusion

The Moscow Variety Theater is not just a concert venue, but a living legend of Russian culture. Over more than 70 years of history, the theater has become a launching pad for stars, a meeting place with world-famous artists, and a center for the development of variety art in Russia. After a large-scale restoration, the theater has appeared in a renewed form, preserving its historical heritage while gaining modern technical equipment. A diverse repertoire, convenient location, and unique atmosphere make a visit to the theater an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.