Belarus Opera Tour

The National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater of the Republic of Belarus is one of Europe’s biggest theaters and the architectural landmark of Minsk. The theater is also famous for its talented performers.

In the 1930s famous architect Iosif Langbardsuggested building a grandiose constructivism-style opera house with numerous sculptures and bas-reliefs.

The design was inspired by Roman amphitheaters, however, the initial plan was revised and several features were changed, with the number of seats reduced down to 3,000.

The new building of the theater was inaugurated in 1939.

During the Great Patriotic War the theater was damaged by bombs and was looted. The artists joined the Soviet Army or were evacuated to the rear areas where they kept working.

Soon after the liberation of Minsk from the Nazis, the theater troupe returned to the city and opened the season with the first night of the Alesya opera by Yevgeny Tikotsky in December 1944.

Meanwhile, the reconstruction of the theaterwas launched under the supervision of Iosif Langbard.

The new architectural plan envisaged a tier-like design with the hall divided into pit stalls and three narrow boxes. The number of the seats was reduced to 1,200.

For the first time the hall of the theater featured tiered balconies. Andrei Bembel created wonderful settings and decorated the building with plasterwork.

A picturesque park designed by Iosif Langbard was laid out on the territory surrounding the theater.

The reconstructed theater opened its doors to the public in 1947, and by 1949 the pre-war repertoire had been restored.

In 1955 the theater staged the first operatic performance for children Marinka.

The theater's repertoire started to feature the world masterpieces as well as works of Belarusian composers dedicated to the historyof our country

In 2006 restoration and renovation works began at the theater under the guidance of architect Anatoly Shabalin. The renovation was carried out in line with photos made in the 1940s-1950s and also based on Iosif Langbard’s sketches.

Today, the stage of the Bolshoi Theater of Belarus (597 m2) is an ultramodern transformer consisting of 21 pitches.

The new elements include crystal chandeliersof the 1950s style, gypsum details, ceiling paintings, golden stucco work along with red velvet curtains and drapery. The interiorfeatures natural stones, marble and granite. Floors are made from nine kinds of granite and are adorned by ornaments.

Three floors have been added to the building after the renovation. Moreover, the mezzanine floor now accommodates a dressing room and a studio.

The facade of the theater is adorned by the sculpture of Apollo and two flying nymphs.

A light cascade fountain which resembles the silhouette of the theater was unveiled on the main alley. Two other alleys have been recently added, the Ballet Alley and the Opera Alley. They are adorned by the sculptures The Balletand The Muse of Opera.

The Bolshoi Theater is situated in Minsk downtown, at 1 Paris Commune Square.