The Mariinsky Theatre
Opened on 2 October 1860 on the site of the former Circus Theatre, which was destroyed by fire in 1859. The Mariinsky Theatre, in its early years, developed the traditions of Russian musical theatre.
In 1886 all ballets, which had previously been shown at Saint Petersburg's Bolshoi Theatre (not to be confused with the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow) were transferred to the Mariinsky.
During the Soviet years the Mariinsky became known as the State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet, then later the Kirov Theatre. On 16 January 1992 the theatre's original name was restored.
In 1886 all ballets, which had previously been shown at Saint Petersburg's Bolshoi Theatre (not to be confused with the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow) were transferred to the Mariinsky.
During the Soviet years the Mariinsky became known as the State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet, then later the Kirov Theatre. On 16 January 1992 the theatre's original name was restored.
Pictured below: the Mariinsky Theatre in 2018. All photos belong to Kerri Turner.
