The Mariinsky Theatre ( ) (called t...

The Mariinsky Theatre ( ) (called the Kirov Theatre in the Soviet era) is a symbol of Russian culture. In 1783, Catherine the Great ordered the construction of a Royal Opera and Ballet Theatre. The theatre designed by architect Kavoski was officially opened in 1860 and was named after Maria, the wife of the then ruling Tsar Alexander II. It is a historic opera and ballet theatre in St. Petersburg. The ballet "Swan Lake" of the Mariinsky Theatre Ballet is the most authentic and beautiful ballet in the world. It is the best in ballet art.