About the theater
Construction of the Theatre Building
Construction of the theatre building, designed by Moscow architect N. A. Kruglov—whose project won first prize in the All-Union competition announced in 1933—began in 1936 and was completed in 1941 by architects N. A. Prostakov and T. K. Basenov.
Opening of the Theatre in Its Own Building
On November 7, 1941, the theatre opened in its own building. That same year it received academic status, and in 1945 it was named after Abai.
Major Reconstruction
From June 1995 to December 13, 2000, the theatre underwent a major reconstruction that preserved its principal architectural style—Empire—combined with Italian classicism and traditional elements of national Kazakh architectural forms.
Overall, the decorative features and main artistic and stylistic solutions of the building were preserved. Modern finishing materials were introduced, and ornamental elements inspired by the costume of the “Golden Man” were incorporated into the stucco decoration of the second-floor foyer and the auditorium. The richness and diversity of Kazakh traditional decorative art were also reflected in the design of other theatre interiors.
The Theatre Building Today
The building of the Abai Kazakh National Theatre, with a seating capacity of 789, is today one of the most recognizable landmarks of the city of Almaty.
The Theatre in the Modern Era
Today, the Abai Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theatre is one of the largest theatres in the Eurasian region. Alongside renowned masters of the stage, young talents continue to refine their artistry within its creative company.
