Mariinsky Theatre Theater

Address: Teatralnaya ploshchad 1, St. Petersburg, Russia

Website: https://www.mariinsky.ru/en/

Admission: Ticket prices vary by performance

The Mariinsky Theatre is Saint Petersburg’s principal historic opera and ballet theatre, renowned for its 19th-century repertoire and as the home of a leading Russian ballet company. It remains one of Russia’s most important performing-arts institutions.

The original 19th-century auditorium stages traditional operas and ballets and is notable for its historic interiors and role in premiering works by Russian composers and choreographers. A modern second stage, Mariinsky II, opened in 2013 to provide a large, contemporary performance space for new productions and international touring shows.

The theatre presents a full season of ballet, opera and orchestral concerts; performances of staple works by Tchaikovsky and classical ballet repertoire are central to its programme. Guided tours of the historic stage are available and give access to front-of-house interiors and historical displays.

Opened in the mid-19th century as the Imperial Russian Theatre, the Mariinsky became a centre for Russian operatic and ballet creation and performance, associated with composers and choreographers of the era. The company continued through the Soviet period and expanded with additional modern performance spaces in the 21st century.

The theatre is in central Saint Petersburg, in the city’s historic cultural district, within walking distance of the Neva riverfront and other major museums and palaces.

• Resident companies: Home to the Mariinsky opera and ballet company, historically influential in Russian music and dance and often referred to by its Soviet-era name, the Kirov Ballet.
• Booking advice: Tickets for popular ballet and opera performances should be booked in advance, especially during the winter and White Nights festival season.

What to See#

• Historic Stage: The historic theatre, opened in the 19th century, is the original Mariinsky stage where the company established its operatic and ballet repertoire.
• Mariinsky II: Mariinsky II is a modern, purpose-built stage opened in 2013 across from the historic theatre, intended for large-scale productions and contemporary staging needs.

The Mariinsky Theatre is in central Saint Petersburg. From Pulkovo Airport it is about a 20-25 km drive to the city centre (taxi or airport transfer typically 30-45 minutes depending on traffic). Within the city the theatre is reached easily by taxi, tram or city buses and is a short walk from central transport hubs.

If arriving by long‑distance train at Moskovsky Railway Station, a short taxi or public transport ride will bring you to the theatre; local metro and bus services serve central St. Petersburg and drop you within walking distance.

• Buy performance tickets well in advance (official box office or authorized sellers) and double‑check which stage is listed-Mariinsky operates multiple stages and productions can be at different venues.
• Arrive 30-45 minutes before curtain to pass security, claim cloakroom items and enjoy the historic foyers and auditorium before the show begins.
• If available on the day you visit, reserve a daytime guided or backstage tour in advance-these offer access to areas most concertgoers miss and often have limited places.
• Avoid driving into the center if possible; use public transport or taxis to reach the theatre and save time looking for parking.