The Bolshoi is Russia's most famous performing arts venue and one of the great theatres of the world. The neoclassical building on Teatralnaya Square — topped by the bronze quadriga of Apollo — has staged opera and ballet since 1825. After a major restoration completed in 2011, both the main stage and the acoustics were returned to their 19th-century quality.
The ballet company remains world-renowned. Tickets for prime performances sell out far in advance; book through the official website. The historic main hall seats over 2,500 and is extraordinary even if the performance is sold out — guided tours are available on non-performance mornings.