Bolshoi Theater

Fast Facts

Location:Moscow, Russia
Significance: Historic Theater
Attraction Type: Theater, Operas, Ballets, Architecture, one of the largest theaters in the world, history, heritage
How to Reach: The Bolshoi Theater is easily accessible from all parts of Moscow. Booking a taxi is the most convenient way.
Nearest Airport: Moscow International Airport

Bolshoi Theater is reputed all over the world not only for its spectacular architecture but also for the high level of performances that are held here. Bolshoi Theater is the parent company of the reputed Bolshoi Ballet Academy, one of the leading ballet academies and ballet training centers in the world. The theater has been graced by the performances of artists like Rudolf Nuryev and Wagner. The theater tries to keep up the highest levels of productions even now.

History of the Bolshoi Theater

It is the long and eventful history of the Bolshoi Theater that makes it all the more attractive to tourists. Ever since its construction by Prince Peter urusov in 1776, supported by British financer Michael Maddox, the theater has faced one disaster after disaster, ironically propelling its reputation to almost mythic proportions. Fire gutted the theater on at least three occasions, in 1805, 1824 and 1853. Each disaster was followed by vigorous reconstructions, among which the masterpiece of Albert Kavos, carried out after the 1853 fire continues to stand. The building is a masterpiece in Russian neoclassical architecture and acoustics.

Architecture of the Bolshoi Theater

The present Bolshoi Theater is noted for its immense portico with eight columns surmounted by a sculpture of a chariot carrying Apollo, the god of the arts. The theater accommodates of 2000 people and the auditorium itself is over 21 meters tall, 25 meters long and 26 meters wide. It is one of the largest theaters of the world.

Bolshoi Events

Although the Bolshoi theater is noted for its architecture, it is its history that makes it all the more attractive and alluring to visitors and connoisseurs of art. Glinker’s ‘A Life of the Tsar’ premiered here back in 1842, and 1863 saw a series of performances conducted by maestro Richard Wagner. Prokofiev and Shostakovich have been the stars of the present era. It was also the venue for the premier of the 1960s smash hit ballet ‘Spartacus’ featuring Aram Khachaturyan. The theater has also been the seat of great political events, most notable being the historic rift between the Bolshevik Party of Lenin and the Left Socialist Revolutionaries in July 1918. Although parts of the theater are presently undergoing reconstruction, yet you cannot afford to miss this monument while you are touring Moscow.

Accommodation in Moscow

Bolshoi Theater, being one of the most important landmarks of the city, can be easily accessed from all parts of it. As a result, you can book your accommodation at any part of Moscow and still be confident of reaching the theater with comparative ease. There are numerous hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts and rental apartments opportunities in Moscow. Some of the popular ones offering interesting and attractive discount rates are Cosmos Hotel, Golden Ring Hotel, Izmailovo Alfa Hotel and Sretenskaya Hotel.