Mariinsky Theatre Plans New Branch in Komi

Rostislav Golitsyn, head of the Komi Republic, met with representatives of the tourism and hospitality sector to discuss the current state and prospects of regional tourism development. They announced that negotiations are underway with Valery Gergiev, Artistic and General Director of the Mariinsky Theatre, to establish a branch of the Mariinsky in Komi. The local government believes this initiative will help boost tourist inflows to the region.

The Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg currently operates three main venues: the historic theatre, the new theatre, and the concert hall — all located near Theatre Square. In addition, the Mariinsky has branches in Vladivostok (since 2016) and in Vladikavkaz (since 2017).

The Komi Republic is one of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. It belongs to the Northwestern Federal District and is situated in the northeastern inland part of the East European Plain, along the western slopes of the Ural Mountains. The republic covers an area of 415,900 square kilometers and has a population of 714,785 (2025).

Its capital, Syktyvkar, is located in the southwest of the republic, about 1,200 kilometers from Moscow. The city spans 152 square kilometers, lies at an elevation of 172 meters, and has a population of 219,094 (2025).

Meanwhile, Valery Gergiev, Artistic and General Director of the Mariinsky Theatre, recently inspected the construction progress of the Eagle’s Nest Hill Museum and Theatre Complex in Vladivostok, accompanied by Primorsky Krai Governor Oleg Kozhemyako.

Governor Kozhemyako stated: “With the coordination of the President, we toured the Stravinsky and Prokofiev Halls, which will add around 800 seats. This will bring the theatre’s total seating capacity to over 2,000, making it one of the largest theatres on the Asian continent. Audiences will be able to attend both drama and ballet performances simultaneously, and these spaces will also host a wide range of other events.”

At the same time, the Vladivostok city administration and the regional government are overseeing the construction of parking facilities and the renovation of surrounding streets. Kozhemyako described the museum and theatre complex as not only the “magnet and jewel” of the Russian Far East, but also a cultural landmark for the entire Asia-Pacific region. He confirmed that the complex will be completed next year.

Kozhemyako added that more than 1,500 professionals are currently engaged in the project, with the workforce soon to increase to 1,600. He and Valery Gergiev inspected the progress together and spoke with the workers on site.

According to the government’s press office, Vladivostok is one of four cities designated by President Putin for the construction of museum and theatre educational complexes. Situated at the city’s highest historical point — Eagle’s Nest Hill — the project is commissioned by the “National Cultural Heritage” Social and Cultural Projects Foundation. It will include branches of the Tretyakov Gallery, the Russian State Institute of Stage Arts, and the Mariinsky Theatre.