The building of the Mikhailovsky Theatre erected connoisseur, an admirer and connoisseur of theatrical art architect Alexander Bryullov. He managed to fit harmoniously new building in the already existing beautiful architectural ensemble of Arts Square. To do this, even had to learn the basic elements of the decor of the facade of the project of Karl Rossi. The fact that the new building is the theater, from the guess was almost impossible. His "betrayed" a roof, under the dome where he could see the outline of the scene. Vcya luxury Imperial Theatre - velvet, gold-plated, silver, crystal, paintings, mirrors, sculptures - hiding behind modest walls.

The discovery of the theater with a large crowd of people was held in November 1833, the theater was given the name of the Grand Duke Mikhail Pavlovich. In the mid-19th century by the architect Albert Cavos building was reconstructed: the scene has been expanded, built on stage in the auditorium. While at the Mikhailovsky Theatre she appeared painted ceiling of artist Giovanni Buzatti.

The performances of the Mikhailovsky Theatre enjoyed great success with the public. Here the performances attracts the whole world of the city on the Neva. In the theater there were the highest-ranking nobles and often the emperor and his family.

The Mikhailovsky Theatre troupe played the leading German and French actors, orchestra and the conductor's podium not once ruled by the king of waltz - Johann Strauss.

After the October Revolution, all the actors have taken foreign citizenship, hastily had to leave the new Russia. It was necessary to create a new troupe.

In March 1918, the theater received the title of the State Opera and became the second opera house in the country. Two years later it was renamed the State Academic Theater of comic opera. A year later, he was again renamed the Small academic, and in 1926 - in the Maly Opera House. In spite of that, all these years remained the Mikhailovsky Theatre in the center of the cultural life of the city. There were performances of works by Shostakovich and Prokofiev, invited young and talented director.

After the war of 1941-1945 theater continued cooperation with the leading composers of our time.

In 1989 the theater was named after MP Mussorgsky. Since then, the major steel works in the repertoire of Russian classics: "Khovanshchina," "The Golden Cockerel", "Boris Godunov", "Prince Igor", "Eugene Onegin" and many others.

Its historic name of the Mikhailovsky Theatre regained in 2001, and in 2007 he was recognized as the most secular and bright musical theater in St. Petersburg.

The building is in need of repair, and it was held on the personal funds of the theater director Vladimir Kehmana. It was, in particular, fully restored ceremonial decoration. There have been positive changes in the company - at the Mikhailovsky Theatre began to sing the great opera prima Elena Obraztsova. In early 2009, the troupe came to the Mikhailovsky Theatre celebrated musician Peter Feranec, who until 2011 was the musical director and principal conductor. From January 2012 this office has won Mikhail Tatarnikov.

Since January 2011 the work started a new artistic director of the ballet troupe of Spanish choreographer Nacho Duato, who put on the stage of the famous performances of "Without Words," "Duende", "Prelude", "Sleeping Beauty", in March 2012. - " Multiplicity. Forms of Silence and Emptiness "(dedicated to JS Bach).

The main direction of the Mikhailovsky Theatre's repertoire - the masterpieces of Russian and foreign classics, works of ballet and opera 19-20 century, little known to the public. Recently, much attention is paid to the theatrical opera and ballet productions for children.