Widely considered one of the most beautiful performance houses in the world, the Bolshoi Theatre stands as a testament to the enduring nature of the Russian character. For more than two-hundred years through monarchies, revolution, totalitarianism, socialism, and war the Bolshoi has been a symbol of the grand character of the Russian spirit expressed in architecture, dance, and opera. More than an instrument to stir the love of the arts, the Bolshoi Theatre is very nearly a musical instrument itself. The auditorium is trimmed in wood and its acoustics arranged so to magnify and amplify sounds from the stage. It is among the most acoustically perfect houses in the world. Outside, the façade has been restored after a bomb hit it in 1941 during the second World War. It features the figure of Apollo and his quadriga (chariot) over a structure resembling the Parthenon. Although it looks impressive from the front, the Theatre is in need of renovation after putting on 300 performances a year for 150 years. The ten year project is being overseen by UNESCO in cooperation with the government of the Russian Federation. It is financed through donations from governments, corporations, and individual benefactors. The first phase involves the construction of a building next door on Teatralnaya Square. That building will be a sister theater to the Bolshoi complete with a world-class theater with a stage that the Bolshoi will perform on during phase two -- when the original theater will be renovated. Once complete, the complex will include both theaters, an administration building, rehearsal halls, a greenhouse, a building to house the Bolshoi Theatre Club, a museum, conference hall, and workshop buildings.

• The Bolshoi Theatre was established by Prince Peter Urusov in 1776, the same year as the United States of America.
• Due to settling of the foundation, in 1902 the walls of the auditorium settled, wedging the exit doors of two sections closed, trapping the audience inside.

Photograph courtesy of Macky637.