The second stage of the Mariinsky Theatre opened in 2013 adjacent to the historic Mariinsky (1860) in St. Petersburg. Home to acclaimed opera and ballet, Mariinsky II is one of the largest lyric arts facilities in the world. Under maestro Valery Gergiev, the Mariinsky company is now able to present the most ambitious, technically demanding productions not possible in the original theatre.

The theatre is a contemporary expression of the elements and scale of St. Petersburg’s historic architecture. A masonry base of Jura beige limestone is interspersed with syncopated floor-to-ceiling windows. The main lobby, with its two double-height levels, features illuminated onyx walls that surround the freestanding auditorium.

While the 1900-seat auditorium is a contemporary hall, its principles are those of successful 18th and 19th century opera houses, with a horseshoe shape and three balcony levels. This configuration has proved to be ideal for intimacy, acoustics, sightlines, audience comfort and overall cohesion of the room.The hall has a calming colour palette of variously hued beech wood and pale blue seating.

A large back-of-house accommodates all aspects of support services - rehearsal stages, set and costume workshops for 2,500 staff.

A rooftop amphitheatre for 200 people provides panoramic views of St. Petersburg and will play an important role in the Stars of the White Nights Festival during the summer season of the late night sun.

See this 4-minute video of the design of the Mariinsky II theatre.