As I stepped into the majestic Bolshoi Theatre, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the sheer grandeur of this iconic destination in Moscow. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and world-class performances, the Bolshoi is a temple of classical dance that has been mesmerizing audiences for centuries. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of the Bolshoi Theatre, exploring its timings and prices, online tickets and guided tours, what to see and how to visit, its location and accessibility, useful tips for visitors, brief historical notes, curiosities, and practical information.
Timings and Prices
When it comes to visiting the Bolshoi Theatre, timing is everything. Tickets can be purchased at the theatre itself, at the Kremlin ticket office, or in the booths located under the Teatral’naya metro station. Alternatively, you can buy online a backstage tour, which also includes pickup at your hotel. Variable timings depending on performances, generally 18:00 or 19:00. Guided tours organized by the theatre are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 11:00 (in Russian) and 11:30 (in English).
Bookings for tickets to performances should be made 2-3 months in advance from the official website or personally. For guided tours, you can book online the historical tour of the Bolshoi Theatre or the backstage tour. The cost of ticket to visit is 1,300 rubles (€17.32), while the price of performances varies depending on the seat location.
What to See and How to Visit the Bolshoi
As I entered the theatre, I was struck by its architectural design and monumentalism. The auditorium is set up on six floors with 2,500 seats and has a majestic royal box at its center. The ceiling, decorated with ten painted panels by Pietr Titov, represents figures derived from Greek mythology.
The spaces where performances take place are three: the main stage or historic stage, which hosts opera and ballet productions; new stage, a recent construction, more modest than the historic one, built to host performances while the main stage was being renovated. Beethoven Hall is located at the entrance of the historic building and is a beautifully decorated room used for concerts and readings.
Where it’s Located and How to Get There
The Bolshoi Theatre is located in the heart of Moscow, making it easily accessible by foot or public transportation. You can take bus lines 38, 101, 144, and 904, or get off at Teatral’naja metro station (Teatro Bolshoi exit) on line 2 green, or Okhotnyi Ryad red station.
Useful Tips for Visiting the Attraction
To make the most of your visit to the Bolshoi Theatre, here are some useful tips:
- Get up early if you want to take part in a guided tour, as visits are limited to 20 people per group.
- Arrive early in the morning because visits are limited to 20 people per group.
- Watch out for restrictions for attending performances: you will need to follow a specific dress code.
- You can take photos during the guided tour, but not during rehearsals and performances.
Brief Historical Notes
The Bolshoi Theatre has a rich history that dates back to 1805. The theatre was originally known as the Teatro Petrovsky, which was destroyed in a fire. Construction began in 1819 under supervision of Italian architect Giuseppe Bove (son of painter Vincenzo Giovanni). Work ended in 1825 and the Bolshoi was inaugurated with the ballet Cendrillon (Cinderella).
In 1853, a fire hit the Bolshoi, causing significant damage. The reconstruction, which took three years, was entrusted to Italian-Russian architect Alberto Cavos, who had already designed the Mariinski Theatre in St. Petersburg.
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Curiosities
Did you know that the Bolshoi Theatre has been involved in several famous conflicts? One of them was a scandal surrounding Vaslav Nijinsky’s ballet The Rite of Spring, which was performed at the theatre in 1913. This ballet was considered too revolutionary and was met with violent protests from conservative audiences.
Another curiosity is the fact that the Bolshoi Theatre has hosted many musicians, composers, ballerinas, and singers who found popularity and recognition here, including Tchaikovsky and Richard Wagner, who gave a concert cycle in 1863.
Practical Information
- Contact Information: Address: Teatral’naya sq., 1, Moscow, Russia, Phone number: +7 (495) 692-39-69
- Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (in Russian), English guided tours are available on Wednesday and Friday at 11:30 AM.
- Ticket Information: Tickets can be purchased online or personally at the theatre. Bookings for tickets to performances should be made 2-3 months in advance from the official website or personally.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bolshoi Theatre is a must-visit destination in Moscow that offers an unforgettable experience for visitors. With its stunning architecture, world-class performances, and rich history, it’s no wonder that this iconic theatre has been mesmerizing audiences for centuries. Whether you’re interested in ballet, opera, or classical music, the Bolshoi has something to offer everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How do I book tickets to the Bolshoi Theatre?
A: You can book tickets online through the official website of the Bolshoi Theatre or personally at the theatre itself. - Q: What is the dress code for attending performances at the Bolshoi Theatre?
A: The dress code varies depending on the performance, but generally, it’s formal attire. - Q: Can I take photos during guided tours of the Bolshoi Theatre?
A: Yes, you can take photos during guided tours, but not during rehearsals and performances. - Q: What is the cost of a ticket to visit the Bolshoi Theatre?
A: The cost of a ticket to visit the Bolshoi Theatre is 1,300 rubles (€17.32). - Q: Can children attend performances at the Bolshoi Theatre?
A: Yes, children of school age are allowed with their ticket or with a tour or accompanied by adults. - Q: What are the best times to visit the Bolshoi Theatre?
A: The best times to visit the Bolshoi Theatre are early morning for guided tours and afternoon performances. - Q: How do I get to the Bolshoi Theatre from Moscow city center?
A: You can take bus lines 38, 101, 144, and 904 or get off at Teatral’naja metro station (Teatro Bolshoi exit) on line 2 green, or Okhotnyi Ryad red station. - Q: What types of performances does the Bolshoi Theatre offer?
A: The Bolshoi Theatre offers a variety of performances, including ballet, opera, and classical music concerts.
By following these tips and practical information, you’ll be able to make the most of your visit to this iconic destination in Moscow.