Bolshoi Theatre Guide
A Temple of Russian Ballet and Opera Guide
The Bolshoi Theatre is a historic theatre in Moscow, Russia, renowned worldwide for its ballet and opera performances. A visit to the Bolshoi is a quintessential Moscow experience, offering a glimpse into Russia's rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence. Even if you don't attend a performance, admiring the theatre's grand architecture is a worthwhile experience. Founded in 1776 by Prince Peter Urusov and Michael Maddox, the Bolshoi Theatre has played a pivotal role in the development of Russian ballet and opera. The original theatre burned down in 1805 and was rebuilt in 1825. The current building, designed by architect Joseph Bové, is a magnificent example of neoclassical architecture. Over the centuries, the Bolshoi has hosted countless legendary performances and nurtured some of the world's most celebrated dancers and singers. Tourists can experience the Bolshoi in several ways. Attending a ballet or opera performance is the most popular option, but tickets can be difficult to obtain, especially for popular shows. Booking well in advance is highly recommended. Guided tours of the theatre are also available, offering a behind-the-scenes look at its history, architecture, and operations. The Bolshoi Theatre does not have a unique culinary tradition associated with it, but the surrounding area offers a wide variety of restaurants and cafes serving traditional Russian cuisine and international fare.
Transportation
The Bolshoi Theatre is easily accessible by the Moscow Metro. The closest stations are Teatralnaya (Театральная) on the Zamoskvoretskaya Line (Green Line), Okhotny Ryad (Охотный ряд) on the Sokolnicheskaya Line (Red Line), and Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Площадь Революции) on the Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya Line (Blue Line). All three stations are within a short walking distance of the theatre. Numerous buses also stop near the theatre.