Ivan the Terrible

On March 28 (March 17 Old Style), 1776, Catherine II granted Prince Pyotr Urusov a privilege to host performances, masquerades, balls, and other entertainment for ten years, marking the founding of the Bolshoi Theatre. The iconic building known today opened on August 20, 1856, during Alexander II's coronation. On October 29, 2002, the company moved to the New Stage during the historical building's extensive reconstruction, which lasted from July 1, 2005, to October 28, 2011. This project restored the theatre's historical features and established it as one of the world's most technologically advanced venues. As a lasting symbol of Russia, the Bolshoi Theatre is celebrated for its significant contribution to Russian art, a legacy its artists continue to build today.