DK Travel : St Petersburg : Mariinskiy Theatre

Mariinskiy Theatre

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The Mariinskiy Theatre has long been one of the world’s most respected venues for opera and ballet. It has seen premieres by such greats as Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev, while the dance school attached to it produced Nureyev and Nijinsky. When it was first opened to the public in 1860, the Mariinskiy boasted the largest stage in the world. Known as the Kirov Theatre of Opera and Ballet throughout much of the Soviet era, the Mariinskiy reverted to its original name in 1992. The theatre is a St Petersburg institution, and a visit here is a highlight of any trip to the city.
Russians tend to dress up when attending the ballet or the opera. While a suit and tie or ballroom dress are not strictly necessary, guests should make an effort to fit in. After the show, Za Tsenoi, or the Irish bar Shamrock , are good places to discuss the performance over dinner. Tickets for top performances, such as Swan Lake, can sell out very quickly. Tickets are usually always available from touts on the day of the show, albeit for vastly inflated prices.

Top 10 Features

1. Performances

1. Performances

A performance here is one that will stay with you for a long time. Not to be missed are Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin and Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunov. Also look out for opera stars Anna Netrebko, Olga Borodina and Vladimir Galuzin.
2. Stage

2. Stage

Designed in 1914 by Aleksandr Golovin during Russian Ballet’s golden age, this luxuriant stage curtain has revealed, and then concealed, countless world-famous ballet dancers.
3. Façade

3. Façade

The Neo-Renaissance façade was remodelled in 1883–6 by Viktor Schröter, who added most of the ornamental detail.
4. Za Tsenoi

“Za Tsenoi” means “backstage” and this restaurant, located a few steps away from the venue, aims to recreate the atmosphere of the theatre. Serving a mixed European and Russian menu, this is the perfect place both to savour fine food and recall the show.
5. Royal Box

5. Royal Box

The Royal Box, with its imperial eagles, lustrous curtains and sparkling chandeliers, offers a vivid reminder of Imperial Russia. The tsars regularly watched performances from here.
6. New Mariinskiy Stage

The Mariinskiy II, designed by Dominique Perrault, will be located directly behind the current theatre and will seat 2,000. Due to open in 2009, the new stage will be linked to the original Mariinskiy by a bridge over the Kryukov Canal.
7. Ceiling

Don’t forget to take a look at the Mariinskiy’s intricate ceiling. Dating from 1856 and designed by the Italian artist Enrico Franchioli, it depicts dancing girls and cupids.
8. Programme

8. Programme

A programme of the event will make for a beautiful souvenir. Available in English and Russian, the programmes are sold in the foyer and at the ticket desk.
9. Audiences

The theatre is a fine place for people-spotting. Those with an interest in the Russian government and showbiz may be lucky enough to spot celebrities from the worlds of politics and entertainment.
10. Theatre Square

10. Theatre Square

Once known as Carousel Square, Theatre Square and the surrounding canal-lined streets have long been the home of the city’s artistic community.

Practical Information

Russians tend to dress up when attending the ballet or the opera. While a suit and tie or ballroom dress are not strictly necessary, guests should make an effort to fit in. After the show, Za Tsenoi, or the Irish bar Shamrock , are good places to discuss the performance over dinner. Teatralnaya ploschad 1 326 4141 Performances usually begin at 11:30am (matinee) or 7pm. Tickets are more expensive for tourists than Russians and can cost anything from 500 roubles to 3,500. www.mariinsky.ru