The building of the Bolshoi Theatre dominates one of the most beautiful squares of the Moscow Centre — the Theatre Square. This building is a masterpiece of Russian Classicism in architecture. The eight column portal is surmounted by a chariot driven by Apollo, Patron of the Arts. The theatre built in 1824 and designed by Russian architect Joseph Bove was rebuilt and enlarged by architect Kavoss after the fire of 1853.

The performance of the ‘Giselle’ ballet by Adan in 1843, two years after its opening night in Paris, became a major event in the theatre life of Russia. From that moment on, ‘Giselle’ has never left the stage.

The Russian ballet is indebted to the French choreographer Marius Petipa for his Classical school style. M. Petipa lived and worked in Russia, and many classical ballets produced by him remained on stage for many years.

The Bolshoi Theatre has gained world fame thanks to its first- rate school of Ballet. Among the greats are Olga Lepeshinskaya, Galina Ulanova, Maya Plisetskaya, Ekaterina Maksimova, who danced there. The timeless ballets: ‘Sleeping Beauty’, ‘Swan Lake’, ‘The Nutcracker’ have become the Golden Fund of the Bolshoi Theatre. Indeed, they have gained universal popularity.

For more than two centuries the Bolshoi Theatre has been attracting new music and ballet lovers.