Bolshoi

Bolshoi Theatre, commonly known simply as Bolshoi, is a historic theatre in Moscow, Russia, situated on Theatre Square near the Kremlin. It serves as the home of two resident companies, the Bolshoi Ballet and the Bolshoi Opera, and is regarded as one of the leading centers for ballet and opera in the world.

The current site has hosted performances since the late 18th century. The first Bolshoi building, a wooden structure, burned in 1805. A new masonry theatre designed by architect Joseph Bové opened in 1825. After a devastating fire in 1853, the theatre was rebuilt and reopened in 1856 with an expanded stage and ornate interiors. The building underwent extensive restorations in the late 20th century, culminating in a major modernization completed in 2011 that updated stage machinery, technical systems, and interiors while preserving its historical exterior.

The Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera have produced and premiered many landmark works. The company is known for a wide repertoire ranging from classic ballets such as Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and Don Quixote to contemporary works, and for operatic performances that span baroque to modern styles. The theatre hosts regular seasons and tours internationally, contributing to Moscow’s status as a major cultural capital.

The Bolshoi continues to be a symbol of Russian performing arts, attracting audiences and artists from around the world.