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The world-renowned Mariinsky Theater was named "Mariinsky" after the Empress Maria Alexandrovna - wife of Alexander II. It opened triumphantly on the 2nd of October 1860 with a performance of Glinka's opera "A Life for the Tsar". Known during Soviet times as the Kirov Opera and Ballet Theater, it reverted to its original name in 1992.
During its pre-revolutionary times Mariinsky enjoyed the royal patronage and was host to some of Russia's most celebrated classical performers; Fiodor Shaliapin sang there, and the dancers Vazlav Nijinsky, Matilda Kshesinskaya, Anna Pavlova also graced its stage, while during Soviet times it enjoyed performances by the world-renown Rudolf Nureev, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Natalia Makarova.
The hall holds 1,625 people, and one can scarcely find any vacant seats at any performance.