Alexandrinsky Theatre

Why go

Alexandrinsky Theatre rewards attention to scale, orientation, and setting. The Alexandrinsky Theatre (Александринский театр) or Russian State Pushkin Academy Drama Theater (Российский государственный академический театр драмы им) is a theatre in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Before leaving, compare one close detail of Alexandrinsky Theatre with its broadest public view.

What to look for

• Alexandrinsky Theatre: Read the main silhouette against the open space around it.
• Alexandrinsky Theatre: Look closely at facade materials and ornament.
• Alexandrinsky Theatre: Step back to place the landmark in the skyline.

The full story

The Alexandrinsky Theatre (Александринский театр) or Russian State Pushkin Academy Drama Theater (Российский государственный академический театр драмы им) is a theatre in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The Alexandrinsky Theatre is the oldest Russian national theatre. It was founded on 30 August 1756 by a Senate decree signed by Elizabeth of Russia to play Fonvizin, Lukin, Racine, Molière, Beaumarchais, Voltaire, and Derzhavin. Since 1832, the theatre has occupied an Empire-style building that Carlo Rossi designed. It was built in 1828-1832 on Alexandrinsky Square (now Ostrovsky Square), which is situated on Nevsky Prospekt between the Russian State Library and Anichkov Palace. The theatre and the square were named after Empress consort Alexandra Feodorovna. The building is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments. The premières of numerous Russian plays have been performed at the stage of the Alexandrinsky, including plays by Alexandr Griboyedov, Aleksandr Ostrovsky, and Anton Chekhov.

Useful to know

• Check the current admission calendar for Alexandrinsky Theatre before building an interior visit around it.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.