The venue's main auditorium features 4,700 square meters of gold leaf application on its interior surfaces.
The building was designed to meet modern international safety and accessibility standards lacking in the historic Mariinsky Theatre.
Construction required a complex foundation process due to the proximity to the Kryukov Canal and soft St. Petersburg soil.
The stage area is one of the largest in Europe, allowing the company to host three different productions in rotation simultaneously.
The interior lobby is lit by a signature massive chandelier constructed from Swarovski crystals.
The building's design purposefully avoids replicating the historical style, opting for a modernist approach that highlights the canal views.
The acoustics were specifically tuned to favor the vocal projection required for Russian opera repertoire.
Mariinsky-2 is a modern annex to the historic Mariinsky Theatre, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects and opened in 2013 to provide contemporary stage technology. The venue features a seven-level auditorium with a capacity of approximately 2,000 seats. It is specifically engineered to serve the opera and ballet companies, offering a vastly larger stage and backstage area than the older theater. The building is characterized by a prominent glass-and-steel facade, contrasting sharply with the 19th-century architecture of the surrounding district. The auditorium utilizes extensive wood paneling to optimize acoustic resonance. A pedestrian bridge connects the new facility to the historic theater across the Kryukov Canal. The stage equipment includes advanced lifting platforms and massive storage capacity for multiple full-scale sets. The lobby is notable for its onyx-clad walls and a massive multi-story glass staircase.
From the pedestrian bridge connecting the two theaters, capturing the contrast between the modern facade and the historic canal.
Use the pedestrian bridge to explore the historic building during intermission to experience both architectural styles.
Book tickets well in advance, as popular ballet performances frequently sell out weeks ahead of time.
Check the specific building location for your performance, as the Mariinsky company operates across three distinct venues in the city.
Do not assume your ticket is for the main historic building; always verify the venue name on your booking confirmation.
Formal business attire or evening wear is customary; photography is strictly prohibited during performances.
