Description of the attraction
The National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater of the Republic of Belarus is the largest theater in the country and the only opera house in the Republic of Belarus. The history of the theater has many dramatic pages.
The theater building was built in the oldest district of Minsk - Trinity Suburb. Construction began in 1934 and continued until 1937. The project of the theater building was developed by the architect I. G. Langbard in the style of Soviet constructivism, which was popular in those years. At this time, the country was going through difficult years, and yet the construction was completed.
The opening of the theater took place in May 1939 with the premiere of E. Tikotsky's opera Mikhas Podgorny. In the short time before the war, the theater managed to become famous - its glory resounded throughout the country.
The Great Patriotic War did not spare the theater building - in the very first bombing of Minsk, an aerial bomb hit the building, which was an excellent target, and thoroughly damaged the theater. During the years of occupation, the fascist invaders set up a stable there. However, the theater troupe managed to evacuate. The artists performed successfully in the rear, inspiring soldiers to feat of arms with their inspired performances.
Immediately after the liberation of Minsk in 1944, restoration work began in the theater building. The war is not over yet. Hunger raged in the country, there was a terrible devastation, but the country's leadership understood the importance of restoring the Belarusian national theatrical art. Immediately after the end of the occupation, the theater troupe returned to Minsk, which at first performed in the House of Officers.
In the Soviet Union, the Belarusian Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater was highly valued not only for its brilliantly selected creative team, but also for its innovative approach to art. The theater set itself a difficult but noble goal - to form the Belarusian national repertoire.
In the difficult post-war years, the theater building was painstakingly restored. Both the external appearance and the luxurious interiors were restored, striking the imagination with the splendor of the decoration. The auditorium was improved - it became more comfortable and modern, tiered balconies were completed. After reconstruction, the theater opened only in 1948. Around the theater, instead of a large and unkempt market, a beautiful garden was laid out, once designed by the architect I. G. Langbard. Initially, the project was not fully implemented due to lack of funds.
Now the most beautiful theater building is surrounded by a garden and a public garden. Its façade is guarded by four muses: Calliope, the patroness of the epic, Terpsichore, the patroness of ballet, Melpomene, the patroness of the theater, and Polyhymnia, the patroness of poets - the creators of hymns. One of the most beautiful fountains in Minsk is located near the central facade.
