Entertainment in Central (St Petersburg)

Mariinsky Theatre

Sometimes known outside Russia as the Kirov, this is the city's premier cultural venue. Named after Maria Alexandrovna, the wife of Alexander II, the building dates from 1860; but it stands on the same site as a wooden theatre erected in 1765. The hulking exterior is hardly inspiring, but the glittering multi-tiered interior is a jewel among St Petersburg's aging auditoriums. The theatre is famous for the Kirov Ballet Company, but it is best known for opera. Consult the website or call for upcoming events and ticket prices.

Kapella

This concert hall is at the heart of St Peterburg's musical history. It was originally built in 1889 by Benoir to replace a small, former concert hall. It was partly responsible for the birth and growth of Russian professional art, and with its own personal institute and historical organ, coupled with its amazing acoustics it became a phenomenon in the world of music. Its organ was built by the English organ-making firm of E.F. Walker in 1891 and taken from its place in the Dutch church on Nevskii Prospekt in 1927 to be installed in the Capella. The Capella's choir has its origins in 1479 when, by order of Great Duke Ivan III, a choir was created in Moscow.

Teatr Muzykal'noi Komedii (Musical Comedy Theatre)

The theatre in its present form has existed since the 17th of September 1929, following the union of the Leningrad and Kharkov troupes. It gained loyalty amongst St Peterburgers during and after the Blockade of World War Two because it was the only theatre to stay open for the entirety of that terrible period. It brought unimaginable pleasure and hope to its citizens who willingly traded their daily bead rations for tickets. Twenty premieres took place during this time, a new play every six weeks. The theatre began its life on the 18th of December 1910 with fashionable operettas in which the best local actors took part. The performances were staged in a house owned by the actress E Patotskaia of the Alexandrinskii theatre, which had been given to her by Grand Duke Nicholas. The theatre has performed such notable works as 'The Gypsy Princess' by Kalman and 'The Merry Widow'; its musicals have put it in the top three of its type in post-WWII Russia. For the theatre's 70th birthday the foyer was rebuilt in its original form.

Goodwin

The club includes casino, bar, restaurant, slot-machines and billiard halls. The casino gives you an opportunity of playing various popular games - American roulette, Black Jack, poker "Golden Oasis" etc. Besides the traditional games prize drawings are held regularly. The restaurant offers European cuisine. Prices are surprisingly moderate - one dinner will cost you approximately RUB300. In the bar you'll find a huge variety of drinks, and you can always ask to prepare something by your own recipe. The club provides you with convenient parking. Live music or shows each day.

Manege (Central Exhibition Hall)

This exhibition hall on Isaakievskaia Ploshchad' (St Isaac's Square) is a good place to drop in for an hour or so if you are beginning to feel a little overwhelmed by the beautiful architecture of St Petersburg. Built in 1807 in classical style with gorgeous marble sculptures on its facade, "Manezh" looks fairly modern from the inside. The hall is always hosting some event or other, anything from a photo-video fair exposing the latest achievements of modern technology to a show by a local avant-grade artist breaking conventional taboos with far out paintings and installations. There is a café in the basement where you can have a cup of coffee and a sandwich. In the lobby, you can buy art books and catalogs of recent exhibitions.

Chaplin Club

This small but cosy club is owned by the famously wacky clown company "Litsedei". There are live shows here every night, very often performed by "Litsedei" themselves. Meals and drinks are available. Prices are modest, but so is the quality of the food. The main attraction, of course, is the performance. At night the place is packed, especially when one of the 'Litsedei' old guard is on the stage.

Grand Hall at the Rimsky-Korsakov St.Petersburg State Conservatory

The theatre was built at the behest of Catherine II in 1783, who wanted that it be the most beautiful of all European theaters. Performances of plays by Pushkin, Odoevskii and Griboedov took place along with masquerades and balls. Enthralled audiences filled the three tiers of seats to watch Italian opera, and Alexander I often visited performances with his family. On the 27th of November 1836, after rebuilding work had been completed by architect A Kavas, the premier of Glinka's opera Ivan Susanin was performed, and this date has become the birthday of Russian Classic Opera Art. The Italian Opera Troupe hired the theatre in 1843 to perform their operas to Russian audiences, who listened to famous Italian masters of opera. As happened with many theaters, the building was damaged by fire in 1890 and finally rebuilt in 1896. The opera studio became the first one to travel abroad. In 1928 in Salzburg, they performed Bastion and Bastiona on Mozart's anniversary. In 1994 the theatre was granted the state status contained in its current name. The arena itself is big, providing seating for an audience of over 1700.

SKA

SKA is not among the best known Russian hockey clubs, certainly its reputation pales to that of the old Spartak, Dynamo or Red Army teams,  but Russia's most European city sends enthusiastic fans to the sparkling new Ice Palace to see the St. Petersburg team play rivals from across Russia. The schedule runs from early September to mid-February, followed by the playoffs. Call for game times and ticket prices.

Rodina Cinema

 Rodina Cinema is said to be one of the best place in town to get your family. This Cinema hall is known to showcase some of the best and a variety of films. They have a huge list of films and events going on regularly, with films including classics and special films for children. This place has hosted and is known to house a number of events every year with events like St. Petersburg International Dance Film Festival Kinodance, which showcases films based on dance.  

Avrora Cinema

In 1913 in front of the Anichkov Palace the 'Picadilly' cinema was opened. In 1932 it was renamed the Avrora. The cinema was recently renovated and a new sound system (Dolby Digital) was installed together with a new 100 square metre screen. The repertoire consists of the best Russian and more than a few foreign movies. The cinema also organises meetings with distinguished members of the Russian cinema industry. Enjoy the 'love seat' (double seat without middle arm rest)

Depot 3rd Barn

Depot 3rd Barn is one of the most unusual locations for concerts and events. But this old barn of St. Petersburg is now a busy venue that has seen live performances from big names. From bands to DJs to singers and guitarists, all have been here and pulled crowds in large numbers. It's a novel experience to move and shake to music at the barn!

BKZ Oktyabrsky

BKZ Oktyabrsky is one of the premier concert halls of St. Petersburg, that attracts viewers from all across Russia as well as the world. Classical theater thrives here and the hall has witnessed some of the most brilliant performances by artists, actors, musicians, and ballet troupes. The venue is loved by the performers themselves and they consider it a privilege to be called here to show case their creative talent. Visit website for details about the events taking place at the venue.