The Bolshoi Theatre. 250 Years of Great History

The Bolshoi Theatre today is a symbol of Russian culture, a model of theatrical art. In 2026, the theatre will celebrate its anniversary – it will be 250 years old. This book will be a special gift to the theatre and to all who love it. It will tell the story of its history and development. How the future 'Bolshoi' first settled on Znamenka, then on Petrovka and on Arbat. How it survived fires, wars, revolutions, crises – it was restored multiple times and continued to operate. On its stage shone Shalyapin, Plisetskaya, and Ulanova, operas by Glinka and Rachmaninoff were staged, and its walls have hosted Stalin, Winston Churchill, and Fidel Castro. It is impossible to count the many glorious names of composers, artists, and architects that the Bolshoi Theatre has inscribed in its history. So take a look behind the scenes of time: learn how the theatrical business began in Russia, get acquainted with the plots of iconic productions, observe theatrical intrigues, and uncover all the secrets of the majestic 'Bolshoi'.