Alexandrinsky Theatre

The current neoclassical building of the Alexandrinsky Theatre was designed by the Italian-Russian architect Carlo Rossi. It officially opened in 1832 on Ostrovsky Square in Saint Petersburg. Rossi's design is widely considered a masterpiece of Russian neoclassical architecture, integrating the theater into a grand urban square.

The theater was established in 1756 by an imperial decree from Empress Elizabeth of Russia. This decree makes it the very first permanent national theater in the country. It served as the premier stage for Russian dramatic arts throughout the Tsarist era.

Yes, tourists can visit the theater, which operates today as the Russian State Pushkin Academy Drama Theatre. It continues to host regular performances of both classic Russian plays and modern works. Visitors can often take guided tours of the historic building when performances are not scheduled.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the theater was the primary venue for the Imperial Russian troupe, staging works by famous playwrights like Alexander Griboyedov and Nikolai Gogol. It served as the epicenter of Russian theatrical life before the rise of the Moscow Art Theatre. Many of the most famous plays in Russian literature had their premieres on this stage.