The theatre is named after Empress Maria Alexandrovna, wife of Tsar Alexander II.
The original building was designed by Alberto Cavos after a fire destroyed the previous Circus Theatre on the same site.
The signature blue-and-gold color scheme of the historic auditorium was restored to match its 19th-century appearance.
The Mariinsky II facility features a glass facade and a modern stage house designed by the Canadian firm Diamond Schmitt Architects.
The theatre’s massive crystal chandeliers were restored using original sketches from the 1860s.
The venue has served as the birthplace of numerous world-renowned ballets, including Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker and Swan Lake.
The backstage area of the modern Mariinsky II is one of the largest in Europe, spanning several stories.
The historic stage retains its original dimensions, which influenced the specific choreography of many classical ballets.
The Mariinsky Theatre is a historic Russian opera and ballet house located on Theatre Square in St. Petersburg. Established in 1860, it serves as the home of the Mariinsky Ballet, Opera, and Orchestra. The complex has expanded to include the modern Mariinsky II building, opened in 2013, which is connected to the historical venue by an underground passage and a pedestrian bridge. The original auditorium is renowned for its traditional horseshoe shape and elaborate tiered seating. Valery Gergiev has served as the artistic and general director of the theatre since 1988. The venue hosts an extensive repertory ranging from 19th-century classics to contemporary works. Its architectural evolution represents a blend of 19th-century Imperial design and 21st-century functional aesthetics. The theatre operates multiple stages to manage its intensive performance schedule.
The pedestrian bridge connecting the old and new buildings offers a clear view of both architectural styles.
Book tickets well in advance as performances frequently sell out, especially for famous Russian classics.
If you are sensitive to acoustics, compare the historical venue's traditional wooden structure with the modern technical precision of the Mariinsky II.
Check which building your performance is held in, as the complex consists of the historic stage, the concert hall, and the modern Mariinsky II.
Do not arrive late, as latecomers are often barred from entering the auditorium until the first intermission.
The season typically runs from autumn through the end of July; the theatre occasionally closes for brief maintenance periods in late summer.
Formal attire is expected; avoid jeans or sportswear. Silence is mandatory during performances.
