Saint Petersburg Academic Drama Theater of V. F. Komissarzhevskoi

The Saint Petersburg Academic Drama Theater of V. F. Komissarzhevskoi is a distinguished performing arts venue located on Italyanskaya Street, just off the famous Nevsky Prospekt in downtown St. Petersburg. Housed in a beautiful neoclassical building, the theater has been a cornerstone of the city's cultural scene since its founding in 1942, during the Siege of Leningrad. It is named after the legendary Russian actress Vera Fedorovna Komissarzhevskaya, who performed here in the early 20th century. The theater's repertoire spans Russian classics (Chekhov, Ostrovsky) to modern plays, with a strong emphasis on psychological drama and innovative staging. The intimate auditorium seats about 500, offering excellent sightlines and acoustics. Visitors can admire the elegant foyer with its marble staircase, chandeliers, and portraits of famous actors. The theater also hosts festivals and guest performances, making it a vibrant hub for drama lovers. Its location in the heart of the city makes it easy to combine with a visit to the nearby Russian Museum or shopping on Nevsky Prospekt.

Don't miss

• Watch a performance in the historic, acoustically rich auditorium
• Admire the neoclassical architecture and elegant interior decor
• Explore the theater's small museum with costumes and memorabilia
• Attend a festival or guest production for a diverse program
• Stroll along Nevsky Prospekt before or after the show

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Saint Petersburg Academic Drama Theater of V. F. Komissarzhevskoi

Cheapest way inImagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art General Admission4.2★ · 24 travelers1–2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$5 per personSee dates →Most bookedSaint Petersburg Paddle Board Tour5★ · 53 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$65 per personSee dates →

Good for

How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• Performances are in Russian, but some productions have English subtitles or surtitles.
• Smart casual dress is recommended; no strict dress code but avoid shorts and flip-flops.
• Silence phones and refrain from photography during the performance.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early; latecomers may be seated after the first act.

A bit of history

The building originally housed the Passage shopping arcade and later a theater. In 1942, during the brutal Siege of Leningrad, the theater was officially established to provide cultural respite. It was named after V. F. Komissarzhevskaya in 1959, honoring the actress who performed there in 1904.