Recent Searches
Clear
Bolshoi Theatre
Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre

An architectural landmark and one of Russia’s most prestigious venues, the Bolshoi Theatre is home to the world-famous Bolshoi ballet and opera companies. With a legacy dating back to the late 18th century, the theater hosts regular performances of classics such asLa Traviata,*Carmen,Swan Lake, andThe Nutcracker*.

Learn more
1, Teatralny Ploshchad, Moscow, Russia

The Basics

For a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary theater, join a guided tour to explore the grand, six-tier auditorium. You’ll be able to admire the architectural details—the work of architect Joseph Bové—learn about the theater’s renowned acoustics, and hear about the theater’s fascinating history, from the imperial period through the Soviet era to the modern day.

Show all

Things to Know Before You Go

  • Opera and ballet performances at the Bolshoi Theatre are incredibly popular. If you’d like to attend one, you’ll need to book tickets up to three months in advance.

  • There is a dress code for evening performances; shorts, t-shirts, and slippers are not allowed, and many attendees opt for full evening dress.

  • Children over 5 may attend matinee performances at the theater; children over 10 years old may attend evening performances and tours.

  • The Bolshoi Theatre is accessible for wheelchair users if you book in advance.

Show all

How to Get There

The Bolshoi Theatre is located at 1 Teatralnaya Ploshchad, in downtown Moscow. It’s possible to walk to the site from central attractions such as Red Square, which is about 10 minutes away. The closest metro stations are Teatralnaya (Line 2) and Okhotny Ryad (Line 1), which are both just a few minutes’ walk from the theater.

Show all

Trip ideas

How to Spend 3 Days in Moscow

How to Spend 3 Days in Moscow

Top Historical Sights in Moscow

Top Historical Sights in Moscow

Sergiev Posad Day Trips from Moscow

Sergiev Posad Day Trips from Moscow


When to Get There

Evening performances typically start at 7pm and matinee performances at 2pm. Admission begins one hour before showtime, and there is no entrance to the auditorium once the show has started, so be sure to arrive on time. English language tours are held in the late morning on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; advance booking is recommended.

Show all

Moscow’s Most Beautiful Theaters

If you can’t get tickets for the Bolshoi, there are a number of other notable venues to consider: The 18th-century Maly Theatre, located next to the Boshoi, hosts classic Russian plays by Chekhov, Pushkin, and other big names. The Theatre of Nations is famous for its unique pseudo-Russian architecture, the Moscow International House of Music hosts summer concerts on its open-air terrace, and the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall is the top venue for Russian classical music.

Show all
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the nearest attractions to Bolshoi Theatre?
Q:
What else should I know about attractions in Moscow?
A:
As well as visiting the Bolshoi Theatre, check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit: