Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow (must see)
Bolshoi Theatre (Russian: Bolshoy Teatr) is the leading theatre company for ballet and opera in Russia, and one of the most renowned in the world. It has by far the world's biggest ballet troupe of more than 200 dancers, attesting to the name "Bolshoi" (Russian for 鈥済rand鈥�).
The theatre's history dates back to 1776. The current building was constructed in 1856 after two of its predecessors had burned down.
As of the late 19th century, Bolshoi has been a major influence on the opera and ballet scene throughout the Western world. Perhaps this had helped it survive the Russian Revolution of 1917. At some point, the Bolsheviks considered demolishing the theatre as the relic of the tsarist regime.
During its history the theatre has successfully survived two world wars, as well as the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. The landmark edifice has been renovated several times, with the latest rebuild taking place in 2005-2011. Upon its completion, the Bolshoi regained its pre-Soviet times acoustics along with the imperial d茅cor, seeing, among other things, the replacement of the Soviet hammer & sickle emblem with the two-headed eagle coat of arms on the fa莽ade.
Why You Should Visit:
To enjoy ballet and/or opera in this world-famous venue 鈥� a once-in-a-lifetime experience you'll never forget. Tickets are expensive, but you have to get there at least once!
Even if you don't get in, the external architecture is really powerful in both daytime light and night illumination. The theatre is part of the Circle of Light festival, a unique light show, playing on the architectural form of the building.
Tip:
Be sure to check on their website what's on and book long in advance because the famous shows sell out quickly.
Be attentive choosing your seats 鈥� on the website, there is a seating plan with visibility limitations.
If you're not so interested in seats for the 'historic' stage and just want to see a great performance, you can always choose the 'new' (cheaper) stage next door.
Note: no cards are accepted in bars (cash only), but there is an ATM inside the theatre.
The theatre's history dates back to 1776. The current building was constructed in 1856 after two of its predecessors had burned down.
As of the late 19th century, Bolshoi has been a major influence on the opera and ballet scene throughout the Western world. Perhaps this had helped it survive the Russian Revolution of 1917. At some point, the Bolsheviks considered demolishing the theatre as the relic of the tsarist regime.
During its history the theatre has successfully survived two world wars, as well as the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. The landmark edifice has been renovated several times, with the latest rebuild taking place in 2005-2011. Upon its completion, the Bolshoi regained its pre-Soviet times acoustics along with the imperial d茅cor, seeing, among other things, the replacement of the Soviet hammer & sickle emblem with the two-headed eagle coat of arms on the fa莽ade.
Why You Should Visit:
To enjoy ballet and/or opera in this world-famous venue 鈥� a once-in-a-lifetime experience you'll never forget. Tickets are expensive, but you have to get there at least once!
Even if you don't get in, the external architecture is really powerful in both daytime light and night illumination. The theatre is part of the Circle of Light festival, a unique light show, playing on the architectural form of the building.
Tip:
Be sure to check on their website what's on and book long in advance because the famous shows sell out quickly.
Be attentive choosing your seats 鈥� on the website, there is a seating plan with visibility limitations.
If you're not so interested in seats for the 'historic' stage and just want to see a great performance, you can always choose the 'new' (cheaper) stage next door.
Note: no cards are accepted in bars (cash only), but there is an ATM inside the theatre.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Moscow. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Bolshoi Theatre on Map
Sight Name: Bolshoi Theatre
Sight Location: Moscow, Russia (See walking tours in Moscow)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Moscow, Russia (See walking tours in Moscow)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Moscow, Russia
Create Your Own Walk in Moscow
Creating your own self-guided walk in Moscow is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Communist Moscow Tour
The arrival of communist ideology left an indelible imprint in the history of the 20th century, largely affecting the lives of people, arts, and architecture. Having been at the heart of the Soviet empire for almost 70 years, Moscow is a great destination for everyone interested in the Soviet heritage, the traces of which are found throughout the city.
By far, the most iconic site associated... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
By far, the most iconic site associated... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Arbat Street Walking Tour
The historic center of Moscow is mainly associated with Arbat, one of the oldest streets in the city, emerged as far back as the early 15th century. The origin of the name 鈥淎rbat鈥� is subject to numerous theories suggesting the Russian, Tatar, Persian, or even Arab roots, meaning the "bumpy road", the "cart road", the "suburb", or the "outskirts".
The... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Moscow Introduction Walking Tour
Moscow (Russian: Moskva) is the capital and the largest city in Russia. Cosmopolitan as such, it is the nation鈥檚 political, economic, cultural, scientific and religious center. The city's name is thought to have derived from that of the Moskva River upon which it stands.
The first known reference to Moscow dates from 1147 and is associated with Prince Yuri Dolgoruky, the city's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The first known reference to Moscow dates from 1147 and is associated with Prince Yuri Dolgoruky, the city's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Red Square Walking Tour
There's hardly any place in Russia more popular than Moscow's Red Square. Marking the center of the city, Red Square indeed represents in many ways the very heart of the Russian capital and the whole country. Built in the late 15th century, it has been a focal point in Russia's social and political life ever since, witnessing many historic and sometimes dramatic events including... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
16 Best Russian Things to Buy as Souvenirs in Moscow
While it's easier to list the riches Russia does not have, if there are such, the variety of authentic Russian stuff available in Moscow is truly mind-blowing. Some items are obscenely expensive, others - affordable, but both can make a memorable gift from the largest country in the world. To...