The building of the Mikhailovsky theatre was erected by a connoisseur, an admirer and a true connoisseur of theatrical art of the architect Alexander Bryullov. He managed the harmonic of a new structure already existed a beautiful architectural ensemble of the square of Arts. I even had to learn the basic elements of the facade from Charles Rossi. That the new building is the theater, guess it was virtually impossible. It "gave out" only the roof, under the dome where you could almost see the outline of the scene. All the luxury Imperial theatre – velvet, gold, silver, crystal, paintings, mirrors, sculptures – was hidden behind the modest walls.

The opening of the theater with a big crowd of people was held in November 1833 the Theatre was named after Grand Duke Mikhail Pavlovich. In the mid 19th century by the architect albert Kavos, the building was reconstructed: was extended scene, built the stage in the auditorium. While at the Mikhailovsky theatre appeared painted the ceiling of works by the artist Giovanni Busatto.

The performances of the Mikhailovsky theatre enjoyed great success with the public. Here the performances were attended by all the lights of the city on the Neva. In the theater there were the most senior princes and quite often the Emperor and his family.

In the company of the Mikhailovsky theatre played a leading German and French actors, and the orchestra the conductor repeatedly ruled by the king of waltz Johann Strauss.

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

In March 1918, the theater was awarded the title of State Opera and became the second Opera house in the country. Two years later it was renamed the State academic theatre of comic Opera. A year later, he was again renamed in a Small academic, and in 1926 in the academic Maly Opera theatre. No matter what, all these years, the Mikhailovsky theatre remained in the center of the cultural life of the city. There were performances on the works of Shostakovich and Prokofiev were invited talented young Directors.

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

In 1989, the theatre was named after M. P. Mussorgsky. From now Central to the repertoire are works of Russian classics: "Khovanshchina", "the Golden Cockerel", "Boris Godunov, Prince Igor, Eugene Onegin, and many others.

Its historical name-the Mikhailovsky theatre regained in 2001, and in 2007 he was named the most secular and bright musical theatre of St. Petersburg.

The building needed repair, and he was was funded by the Director of the theatre Vladimir Kekhman. It was, in particular, completely restored front door decoration. There were positive changes in the stage at the Mikhailovsky theatre began to sing great Opera prima Elena Obraztsova. In early 2009, the Mikhailovsky theatre has come a renowned musician Peter Feranec, who until 2011 was the musical Director and principal conductor. From January 2012 this position was occupied by Mikhail Tatarnikov.

Since January 2011, is ready for the new artistic Director of the ballet troupe of Spanish choreographer Nacho Duato, who put it on the stage of the famous theatre performances Without words, Duende, "Prelude", "Sleeping beauty", in March 2012 – "the Versatility. Forms of silence and emptiness" (dedicated to J. S. Bach).

The main direction of the Mikhailovsky theatre's repertoire – the masterpieces of Russian and foreign classics, works of ballet and Opera of the 19th and 20th century art, little known to the public. Recently great attention is paid to the theatre of Opera and ballet performances for children.