Bolshoi Theater Grand Reopening
A photographer zooms in on a worker applying a finishing touch in the main lobby.
Igor Tabakov / MT
Visitors sit before a newly restored mural in the Bolshoi's main entranceway.
Igor Tabakov / MT
A view of the spectacular main hall as seen from an upper balcony.
Igor Tabakov / MT
Seats in the VIP box just off the main stage.
Igor Tabakov / MT
In addition to the restoration, the theater underwent a complete technological overhaul, including cutting-edge stage control systems.
Igor Tabakov / MT
Summa Capital spokesman Mikhail Sidorov explains elements of a new underground performance space.
Igor Tabakov / MT
A crush of reporters watch as a technician lowers the stage in the new underground hall.
Igor Tabakov / MT
German workers fine-tune the operation backstage.
Igor Tabakov / MT
The double-headed eagle symbol reminiscent of imperial times graces a lavish silk tapestry in a room off the main foyer.
Igor Tabakov / MT
Lush silk imported from Italy was used to recreate the look of the theater as it was in 1853 when it was destroyed by fire.
Igor Tabakov / MT
Detail of a restored cut-crystal and gold-leaf painted chandelier.
Igor Tabakov / MT
Seats were stuffed with horsehair and upholstered using 18th-century methods.
Igor Tabakov / MT
A worker from Serbia stands before the main hall. Thousands were employed for the renovation.
Igor Tabakov / MT
A worker looks out over a crush of media there to admire the renovation.
Igor Tabakov / MT
A worker watches as throngs of reporters flood the main hall.
Igor Tabakov / MT
The main hall in all its splendor.
Igor Tabakov / MT
A technician operates a system for raising and lowering a stage.
Igor Tabakov / MT
Backstage, workers toil to put the finishing touches on the 6-year-long project.
Igor Tabakov / MT
The main hall as seen from a mid-level balcony.
Igor Tabakov / MT
The floor beneath the orchestra pit can be lowered 60 meters for better acoustics.
Igor Tabakov / MT
The center-piece chandelier above the main hall weighs nearly two tons.
Igor Tabakov / MT
Seats in the VIP box just off the main stage.
Igor Tabakov / MT
Horses drawing Apollo's chariot rear up above the facade.
Igor Tabakov / MT
A prominent hammer and sickle was removed just below the roof and replaced with the double-headed eagle.
Igor Tabakov / MT
A visitor admires the lavish surroundings -- and herself -- in a side hall.
Igor Tabakov / MT
Detail of a chandelier in the main foyer. Nearly 6 tons of cut crystal and 6 kilograms of gold leaf paint was used in the project overall.
Igor Tabakov / MT
The theater during an earlier phase of the 6-year-long project.
Igor Tabakov / MT
The hammer and sickle of Soviet times was replaced by an updated version of the imperial double-headed eagle.
Igor Tabakov / MT