The Mikhailovsky theatre was opened in 1833 by order of Emperor Nicholas I.
The theatre owes its name to Grand Duke Mikhail, the younger son of Paul I: the Mikhailovsky Palace, located in the centre of St. Petersburg on the Arts square, served as his residence.
Throughout its history, the theater was repeatedly renamed:
Maly Opera and ballet theatre-Leningrad, then — St. Petersburg order of Lenin state academic Opera and ballet theatre. M. P. Mussorgsky, and in 2001, the theatre was returned to its “historical” name — Mikhailovsky theatre!