Description
The Hermitage Theatre in St. Petersburg is an opportunity to watch performances on the stage of the theatre, which was built for the imperial family and selected court nobility as a court theatre. Masquerades and luxurious balls were held here, and the court nobility performed amateur performances. The theatre stage hosted many famous actors – I.A. Dvitrievsky, P.A. Plavilshchikov, S.N. Sandunov, Ya.D. Shumsky, J. Offren, T.M. Troepolskaya, A.S. Yakovlev.
Built in 1802 on the site of the former Winter Palace of Peter I according to the design of the architect G. Quarenghi in the traditions of ancient architecture, the theatre played a significant role in the development of Russian theatrical and musical culture of the late 18th century. The theater building stands separately, facing the Palace Embankment of the Neva River, and adjoins the main palace building with an arched passage across the Winter Canal, which connects the Moika River with the Neva.
The Hermitage Theater is distinguished by the elegance and magnificence of the auditorium, its luxurious decoration and design, a deep amphitheater conceived according to the antique principle, rows of marble semi-columns framing the semicircular hall. The walls of the auditorium are finished with marble and decorated with classical sculptures of the ancient Greek god of light Apollo, patron of the arts and muses, predictor of the future, personifying beauty, and nine muses. Bas-reliefs with images of famous poets and musicians are installed. The seats are upholstered in exquisite red velvet, the floors are covered with magnificent carpets, and unique chandeliers hang from the ceiling, spreading soft light.
In front of the stage there is a small stalls with only three rows of seven chairs for honored guests. Behind the balustrade that separates the stage from the auditorium there are several more rows of benches and two side boxes. Such intimacy of the theater, designed for only 280 seats, is due to its original purpose - only for the imperial family and its close associates.
Today, all the theater premises have been reconstructed and actively welcome guests and grateful spectators. Performances and ballet dancers perform on the stage of the Hermitage Theater almost every day. Despite its small width, the theater stage is deep enough, allowing you to install various decorations and not be constrained in your movements during the dance.
All the incredible action taking place on the stage is visible from any seat thanks to the unique shapes and volumes of the auditorium, so you will not need theater binoculars to watch the performance. Excellent acoustics transmit sound without distortion, clearly and distinctly.
Visit one of the oldest and most historically important buildings, the Winter Palace, admire its architecture and rich decoration, enjoy the actors' performance, visit the theater where the imperial family once watched performances!