Bolshoi theater reopens after renovation

The reconstruction of the Bolshoi Theater cost an estimated 35.4 billion rubles ($1.2 billion), the Russian Audit Chamber said in a report. The total includes the restoration of the Bolshoi Theater and the so-called Khomyakov House, a separate building used by the theater, Culture Ministry spokesperson Natalia Uvarova told RIA Novosti. “Reconstruction of the historical building of the Bolshoi Theater cost 21 billion rubles, the amount that was originally mentioned. It does not include restoration of Khomyakov house on Kopievsky Pereulok, where there are changing rooms for artists and premises for musicians and art production staff, as well as a musical and theatrical library, a rehearsal hall with an amphitheater and rooms for music lessons. In addition, the 34.5-billion total includes reconstruction of warehouse premises,” Uvarova said. She added that the reconstruction of Khomyakov House, which is linked to the Bolshoi Theater by underground tunnel, was carried out simultaneously with work on the theater's main building. The Bolshoi Theater reopened with a gala concert on October 28 after six years of extensive reconstruction.