Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Little did anyone know, the project would end up taking almost a decade to be
rea-lised. The extremely bold initial design by French architect Dominique Per-
rault was eventually abandoned (despite construction having started) due to
spiralling costs and building code compliance problems. After a new competition
in 2009, Canadian architects Diamond & Schmitt won the €295-million tender to
build a very different structure, now due to open in 2012.
The New Mariinsky Theatre (or
Mariinka Dva
as it's known locally) is less of
an architectural statement than the Perrault design (it's unlikely that it will be-
come an icon of the city in the way that Perrault's golden cubist dome might
have done), but it will be less incongruous with the surrounding 18th-century
neighbourhood. Some critics also say the theatre's interior design is far more
original, providing six stages and seating for some 2000 people. Tickets to
shows here will be the hottest ones available once the theatre opens - book
ahead to be sure you can get a seat in what's being dubbed 'Russia's most im-
portant building project in 70 years'. The theatre is now due to open in 2012, al-
though rumours about delays are rife.
RUSSIAN VODKA MUSEUM
with/without tour R300/150; noon-10pm; Admiralteyskaya)
This excellent private
museum tells the story of Russia's national tipple in an interesting and fun way, from
the first production of 'bread wine' to the phenomenon of the modern international
vodka industry, complete with waxwork models and some very cool bottles. You can
guide yourself through the exhibit, or, for twice the price, be accompanied by an
English-speaking guide who'll liven things up a bit. If you'd like to sample the exhib-
its too, take a
tasting tour
(with/without guide R450/300)
. There's an excellent res-
museum with a tasting for a very reasonable R150.
MMUSSEUUM
SYNA
SYNAGOGUUE
GRAND CHORAL SYNAGOGUE
