Contents:
Apart from visiting museums and cathedrals of St Petersburg, you should definitely include in your travel program a cultural evening in one of the theatres. Actually, autumn is the best travel season for theatre-goers, as it is always a start of new theatre season. By the way, there are over 100 theatres in the city, below you can see the most popular ones.
Mariinsky
The oldest musical theatre in Russia that specializes on opera and ballet. Probably Mariinsky theare is the most popular one in St Petersburg and among the most known in Russia and worldwide. There you will not only enjoy the high-class performances, but also adore the inner design of the former Imperial theatre.
Address: Theatre Square 1
Mariinka-2
A new stage of Mariisky theatre in a brand new modern building that was opened in 2013. The hall can welcome up to 2000 visitors and has no blind spaces, so every viewer will see the performance.
Outside facade of the building is made of marble with high panorama windows and metal room. The place looks very modern and attractive. In summer time, you can enjoy some time on the roof terrace of the theatre that is open before the performances and has a breath-taking view on the historical centre of Saint Petersburg.
Address: Dekabristov Street 34
Alexandrinksy
One of the oldest Russian theatres that was first built as Imperial theatre. Traditionally, on its stage you can see performances of Russian and foreign classics, known world-wide.
This legendary theatre is official named the State Russian Academic Drama Theatre of Alexander Pushkin. It was established by the order of Elizabeth – the daughter of Peter the Great – on the day of Saint Alexander Nevsky.
Address: Ostrovskogo Square 6
Mikhailovsky
The opera and ballet theatre is located in the centre of St Petersburg close to the State Russian Museum. It was established in 1833 under the order of Nicolas I. Theatre’s history is connected to the names of many famous people who performed there, e.g. Feodor Chaliapin, Johann Strauss II, Mathilde Kschessinska.
Address: Arts Square 1
Hermitage Theatre
The theatre is a part of the complex of the State Hermitage. It faces the Palace promenade and connects to the main palace building with a arch-passage across Zimnaya Kanavka.
It is not large, has only 280 places. Its size is determined by the initial aim – it was supposed as a court theatre. Nowadays the theatre is focused on conserving rich traditions of the world famous classic Russian ballet. The repertoire includes “The Sleeping Beauty”, “ The Nutcracker”, “Swan Lake”, “Giselle”.
Address: Palace Embankment 32
To learn more details about theatres and other sights of Saint Petersburg, visit this page. Also feel free to contact me directly or book a guided tour right away!
