On 29 November 2002 the Bolshoi was given a New Stage and it was here it presented its performances during the years the Historic Stage was undergoing massive reconstruction and refurbishment.
A new scene is built close to the historic building of the Main Stage of Bolshoi, at the left side of it. Together with auxiliary buildings (a restored building of XVIII century, where to rehearsal halls, artists' recreation rooms) have a single theater complex, the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia. A natural hill provides the setting for the Bolshoi Theatre New Stage. Broad marble steps lead up to the entrance. Due to the local topography the three-storey New Stage emerges at the same height as its six-storey older neighbour. From the Observation Platform of the New Stage there's a beautiful view across Theatre Square. The New Stage, along with the annexe wing of rehearsal studios and offices forms the complete arts centre of the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia. The buildings are arranged around a central courtyard in the manner of the Italian Renaissance. Today it's hard to believe that this location was previously occupied by tatty old soviet collectivised apartments.
The orchestra of the Bolshoi Theatre, and its opera and ballet troupes are the pride of Russia's cultural life.
The Bolshoi Theatre is one of the most prominent opera and ballet theatres in the world. It has played a hugely significant role in the development of culture in Russia, and particularly in the development of Russian ballet.
The New Stage opened with the première of a new production of Rimsky-Korsakov's The Snow Maiden, a production which was fully in keeping with the new building's spirit and designation, i.e., it was innovational and experimental.