Swan

On March 28 (March 17 Old Style), 1776, Catherine II granted Prince Pyotr Urusov the privilege to organize performances, masquerades, balls, and other entertainments for a period of ten years. This date is considered the founding day of Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre. The Bolshoi building, long regarded as one of Moscow's main landmarks, opened on August 20, 1856, during the coronation of Alexander II. On October 29, 2002, the theatre troupe received the New Stage, which hosted its activities during the extensive reconstruction of the historic building. This reconstruction lasted from July 1, 2005, to October 28, 2011. It restored many lost features of the famous building's historic appearance while making it one of the most technically advanced theatres in the world. The Bolshoi Theatre is an enduring symbol of Russia, a role earned through its immense contribution to the history of Russian art. Its history continues, with Bolshoi artists still writing many of its most vibrant pages.