odessa national academic opera and ballet theater

It is amazing building outside and inside! It is one of the most charming theaters I've ever been. I was lucky to be there and hear the opera "Il Barbiere di Siviglia".Visited in May, 2012

The "Opera House", as I have called it for years is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world! I first visited in 2004. It was nice, but needed cleaning and considerable maintenance. The Opera house was constructed, I was informed, in circa 1700's. At that time it was the largest theatre- Opera House in the world. Many years later a larger building was constructed in Russia. There are several in the world today that are larger than the Odessa house.In 2010 the building was covered with scaffolding and plastic sheeting as a total renovation was underway. In 2012, entry was limited to scheduled hours and special events. I was able to gain access and casually walked through, exploring the numerous nooks and crannies, while admiring the craftsmanship of the many artisans who had 'restored' the beautiful building.It was not 'modernized' but carefully and tediously restored- the only major change- the original gold trim was replaced with gold paint.It would be almost impossible to paint a verbal picture of the beauty- plus the reader would need the ability to visualize in order to even begin to appreciate the beauty.As a licensed Real Property Appraiser by profession, I tend to examine and record mentally in Appraiser terms the most minute features of what I am inspecting. (Good for you!)The crown molding is ornately hand carved and highlighted with gold; Door frames and doors are handmade, also trimmed with inlaid gold.Handrails are polished wood, door knobs, spindles and columns are polished marble. Marble statues, stands and tables are all marble with inlaid gold. Walls and floors are white, polished marble. The acoustics of the main auditorium are phenomenal! On my most recent visit, an individual was speaking to a group of probably two - three hundred. I slipped into one of the third level boxes near the rear of the auditorium. I could hear every word as clearly as if he had been standing beside me. There was no microphone or electronic of any type.To realize this building was constructed three hundred years past, about the same time the United States was being populated and explored, makes the craftsmanship even more profound.Once the building is explored and photographed, it never leaves the memory. The beauty and attention to detail is rarely seen in the world today and rarely appreciated.The Opera House- Theatre is located near the center of Odessa, a very short walk from the "Steps" which descend to the Odessa Port.

A MUST SEE AND DO!! Take the time to see the ballet or opera while in the city. The outside is not so impressive, but the inside is spectacular. I am not an artsy individual and do not often see the ballet or an opera. But even for a sports guy like me, the inside was spectacular and the performances were amazing. I was very impressed with how athletic the ballet performers were. I have seen Swan Lake and the Nutcracker here. I would recommend both if you get the opportunity! Very Inexpensive as well as Entertaining!

Nicely restored, Odessa Opera is one of the diamonds in architecture and decor. Must visit for visitors and beautiful outside. You can really feel the fin-de-ciecle there

I went to a ballet for kids (only one while there). So I don't think I saw their best, and I have only seen ballet on TV so I can't comment on quality. It was interesting and inexpensive for a booth. But building is worth wandering around.

You should definitely see this building from inside. Even if you are not big Opera fan and are not able to be there in the evening, just ask for a sightseeing tour, which is usually at 12. Fantastic marvelous halls and stairs after great reconstruction finished few years ago. And one of the best curtains in the world

It is said that Odessa Opera building was ranked with the second place in Europe, after the Vienna's one. But I have a different point of view and would vote for the first place for sure.No doubt, this is the must to see place while you are visiting Odessa. But the WOW effects you can get not only outside, but also inside. Therefore, please try to visit some performance and enjoy it.

An absolutely fantastic building inside and out. It is a really beautiful building and quite something to look at and admire.

Recently renovated it is beautiful and ornate in a very classy style. When you come, dress up and take pictures :)

If you consider the setting exterior and interior of the opera House ..it the the most elegant anywhere.

Opera is one of the places you must visit when in Odessa, beautiful, one of the most famous in Ukraine.

The architecture this buidling has is exquisite. The ballet was mediocre, but I loved just looking around at the opera house itself. Even if you do not see a show, this is a must see just for the building itself.

However, I fell asleep during the Opera, I speak English only and the Opera was in Italian with Russian subtitles. Day before the opera, I was able to walk around for free to check the building out. Be sure to check out pictures online of what the street looked like during World War II.. especially the one where troops were marching up the street. Puts things into perspective.

This is a very good theatre. If you go to Odessa make it a point to visit it and try to reserve a play or ballet

Take a step back in time. Sitting in your box seat will make you feel like a prince observing the performance in your private enclave. At one time there had to be 100 people on stage singing in beautiful harmony that was as magnificent as any cathedral in the world. Oh! The tickets are so inexpensive you will be shocked. Three of us for $45 bucks...tickets for concerts in huge arenas in the USA cost me much more. Highly recommend!