St. Petersburg is famous for its theaters and not only artistic collectives, but also beautiful theater buildings. In the early years of the formation of the city were built in the royal palaces theater halls, and in the squares - ceremonial, monumental building of public theaters.

Hermitage Theatre

  In place of the theater was "Winter House", in which he died Peter I. Under the decree of Catherine II by the architect Quarenghi . Winter House was rebuilt as a theater in 1784. The basis of accepted principles of the ancient theater is an amphitheater. And although the theater was built only for the imperial family, his staging capabilities are such that he is able to compete with domestic and overseas theaters. The facade is decorated with statues of Greek poets.

  In 10 niches of shown room placed the figure of Apollo and the 9 Muses, and in the squares of niches - the busts and medallions of the great theatrical figures. The auditorium in terms of forming a semi-circle diameter of 19m. Places for visitors are located in six rows. Gallery - the foyer of the arch, thrown over the Winter Canal, liaised with the Theatre of the Palace.

Pushkin Theatre of Drama

(Alexandrinskiy Theatre)

   The theater was built by the architect Rossi, his inauguration was held in 1832. In honor of Nicholas I's wife Alexandra, he was named "Alexandrinsky. During the construction of the theater Rossi was solved a difficult task to create a major social and cultural center. In addition to the theater area were concentrated Public Library, the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Interior. The building is decorated with balconies with columns (central and lateral). The main facade is crowned chariot of Apollo, the flying figure of Fame. In the niches available figures of muses, the frieze decorated with theatrical masks.

  The boxes are decorated ornamental pattern masks, musical instruments and ancient Russian weapons. This was an echo of the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812 In 1937, the centenary of the poet's death, the theater was named Pushkin Theatre.

Mussorgsky Theater of Opera and Ballet

  The theater was built in 1831-1833 architect A.Bryullov at Michael's Square. Later, the interior was rebuilt by the architect A.Kavos.

  The interiors have survived to our time without significant changes, as they were made Kavos. Premises foyer is decorated with mirrors, delicate ornamentation. The auditorium is decorated sculptured silver-plated ornaments, chairs, a curtain of orange velvet.

Mariinsky Theater of Opera and Ballet

  The building was built in 1847-1849 as a theater-circus by architect Kavos. What a circus it did not last long, then in the theater began to put dramas. After the fire the building was completely rebuilt and expanded. On lines and proportions theater took its place among contemporary western theaters.

  Finishing the auditorium remained without significant changes to our day. Twisted columns, stucco decorations in the form of women's heads, masks, ornaments, figures, and the Atlanteans caryatids give the room splendor. Ceiling depicting dancing girls and cupids made Franchioli. Ceiling surround portraits of Russian playwrights, they are reminded that the first productions in this room were dramatic.

  8 October 1860 the theatre was named Mariininskim in honor of wife of Emperor Alexander II. In the theater with 1885 started to put opera and ballet performances.

  Subsequently, the building is not just rebuilt, expanded. Famous artists Alexander Benois, Golovin, Dobuzhinski have done much to decorate the theater. The festive colors of the auditorium - gold-plated, blue velvet, painting the ceiling, a chandelier attached particular solemnity room.

Towstonogow Theatre of Drama

The building was built in 1876-1878 by L.Fontana, an architect of the means of Count Apraxin. In the decorative interiors reflect the architectural features of the Renaissance. Note the exquisite decoration. This magnificent painted ceilings in the foyer and hall decorations from garlands of flowers and playful putti.

  Since 1920 the theatre was handed created to Bolshoi Drama Theatre, organized by Maxim Gorky, Blok, Lunacharsky. Bolshoi Drama Theatre - one of the leading theaters in our country.

Yusupov Palace

  In St.Petersburg in XVIII-XIX centuries was subject to the palaces of the nobles to build the theater halls. One of these theaters came to us - the theater hall of the Yusupov Palace.

  The approach to the theater was resolved parade. To get into the auditorium, had to pass a suite of elegant rooms, which were exhibited paintings of French painting, a rare collection of bronze clock. The beautiful white marble staircase was removed from Italy. On stage, the theater went opera running Napravnik, Chaliapin sang.

  Currently, there are concerts of classical music, song, jazz, performance theaters Benefis and St. Petersburg Opera.

  This review provides information only about the number of theaters built in the XVIII-early XIX century. This is the best preserved buildings since ancient times. They are exquisite architecture, ceremonial, very fine finish interiors. Currently, the city of St-Petersburg including 51 theatrical group.