Things to Do at Mariinsky Theatre

The Mariinsky Theatre stands as one of the world's most prestigious opera and ballet venues, gracing St. Petersburg's Theatre Square since 1860. Originally named in honor of Empress Maria Alexandrovna, this iconic green and gold neoclassical building has witnessed legendary performances by the greatest artists in Russian ballet and opera history. The theatre serves as the home of the world-renowned Mariinsky Ballet and Opera companies, continuing a tradition that has produced legendary dancers like Anna Pavlova, Vaslav Nijinsky, and Rudolf Nureyev. The theatre's opulent interior features a stunning blue and gold auditorium adorned with crystal chandeliers and intricate baroque decorations. With its exceptional acoustics and intimate atmosphere accommodating just over 1,600 spectators, the Mariinsky offers an unparalleled cultural experience. The venue has expanded with the addition of the ultra-modern Mariinsky II building in 2013, which complements the historic theatre while providing state-of-the-art facilities for contemporary productions.

The Mariinsky Theatre is located in the historic Theatre Square (Teatralnaya Ploshchad). Take Metro Line 5 (purple) to Sadovaya station, then transfer to bus or walk 15 minutes. Alternatively, take Metro Line 2 (blue) to Sennaya Ploshchad and walk 10 minutes. Buses 3, 27, and 71 stop directly at Theatre Square. The theatre is easily accessible by taxi or ride-sharing services. If driving, limited parking is available nearby, but public transportation is recommended due to traffic congestion in the city center.