Things to Do at Mariinsky Theatre

Complete Guide to Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg

About Mariinsky Theatre

Tickets: 1500-4500 rubles ($20-58 USD). Velvet seats embrace you as orchestral music swells from the pit while ballet dancers seem to float across the gilded stage, their satin shoes whispering against polished floors. Book balcony seats for better acoustics and views, avoiding the orchestra level where tall heads can obstruct sightlines during standing ovations.

What to See & Do

Main Historic Theatre

The original 1860 auditorium with its iconic blue and gold interior, crystal chandeliers, and perfect acoustics where Tchaikovsky's greatest works premiered

Top-tier Ballet Performances

Home to the Mariinsky Ballet company, you might catch classics like Swan Lake or Giselle performed by some of the world's finest dancers

Opera Productions

Exceptional opera performances ranging from Russian classics to international repertoire, often featuring renowned international soloists

Mariinsky II (New Stage)

The modern 2013 addition offers contemporary staging and technology while maintaining the company's artistic excellence

Theatre Tours

Behind-the-scenes tours that take you through rehearsal rooms, costume workshops, and backstage areas when performances aren't scheduled

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Performance times vary, typically evening shows at 7:00 PM and matinees at 2:00 PM on weekends. Box office open daily 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Tickets & Pricing

Tickets range from ₽500-15,000 ($7-200) depending on performance and seating. Book online at mariinsky.ru or at the box office. Popular shows sell out weeks in advance

Best Time to Visit

October through May is the main season with the fullest program. Summer has fewer performances but tends to be less crowded

Suggested Duration

Performances typically run 2.5-3.5 hours including intermissions. Allow extra time to admire the interior and grab interval drinks

Getting There

The theatre sits on Theatre Square in central St. Petersburg, and you can reach it easily. The closest metro station is Sadovaya-about a 10-minute walk. Taxis work well too. Sennaya Ploshchad and Spasskaya are also reasonable options, especially for evening shows when you won't want to navigate the metro in formal wear. Total convenience. From Nevsky Prospekt, you can walk there in 15-20 minutes if you're staying in the city center. Just follow the well-dressed crowds.

Things to Do Nearby

New Holland Island
A beautifully restored cultural space with parks, cafes, and exhibitions, just a short walk across the canal

Saint Isaac's Cathedral
The massive golden-domed cathedral offers striking city views from its colonnade, about 10 minutes away

The State Hermitage Museum
One of the world's greatest art collections housed in the Winter Palace, roughly 15 minutes on foot

Yusupov Palace
An opulent aristocratic palace famous for being where Rasputin was murdered, featuring its own private theatre

Theatre Square
The elegant square surrounding the theatre, perfect for pre-show strolls and photos with the historic buildings

Tips & Advice

Dress codes are taken seriously here - think business formal or cocktail attire, especially for evening performances

Book tickets well in advance for popular ballets like Swan Lake, but you might find last-minute availability for lesser-known operas

Arrive early to explore the gorgeous interior and grab a drink at the bar - the champagne during intermission is part of the experience

If you're on a budget, the upper balcony seats still offer excellent views and acoustics, and honestly, the atmosphere up there can be quite fun