Yet another feather in the hat of the port city, is the Odessa National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet. The theater is the oldest of its kind in Odessa which is why it probably ranks high on the bucket list of self-proclaimed theater-historians. Of course, apart from the fact that the Forbes magazine included the Odessa Opera House into their list of the most important sights in Eastern Europe!
Over the decades, this strategic edifice has experienced its own share of ups and downs. The year 1810 saw the introduction of the first opera house, which was later destroyed by fire in 1873. The Viennese architects, F. Felner and H. Helmer, were invited by the city to build a new structure. After almost 15 years of grueling labor and planning, the city rebuilt the Opera House and opened its doors to the public in 1887. But, in 1925, there was another fire that destroyed the auditorium, the stage, and the curtain of the theater. This catastrophe was followed by damage from another element of nature – water, which flooded the theater in the year 1955-56. Finally, from 1996 to 2007, the theater got numerous upgrades and repairs done, which would ensure that it stands tall and proud for centuries to come.
Apart from its race against nature and time, what makes the theater unique is its acoustics. A slight whisper-low tone of voice from the stage is audible in the hall of this vast 1636-seater structure. The architecture of this tradition-rich structure is very impressive too. Its auditorium is decorated in Rococo style, where the interior parts (dome, gilding, bas-reliefs, candles, etc.) beautifully complement each other’s style. On the other hand, the exterior is decorated in the Italian baroque style. The facades are elegantly decorated with the busts of legends like Mikhail Glinka, Nikolai Gogol, Alexander Griboyedov, and Alexander Pushkin.
Both the exterior and interior architecture of the building.
Statues of Aristophanes and Eurepides.
A ballet performance
Taxi and Uber are the fastest and the easiest way to reach there and will cost around 60-70 UAH.
You can book for an excursion in the english language in the morning or afternoon, for more details check their site.
Booked ticket in advance.
There is no dress code for tourists.
One can book seats of their own choice at a reasonable price.
During interval, you can buy drinks and food at a very cheap price.
You can take pictures before the performance as after performance you have to leave the place.
Take a print out of the online ticket.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Carry an ample amount of water to avoid dehydration.
Don't forget to carry your camera.
Tickets can be bought on-line or in the theatre.
Paid parking is available.
Since there are events which run most of the time it's better to visit the website for getting the schedule
Waiting Time
Entrance Fee
Entry fees vary from 50-150 UAH.
Time you can spend
Weather
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