The theatre, built in Classical Style to the design by the architect Carlo Rossi in 1832, can seat 1500 spectators. The theatre company, made up of pupils of the Cadet School, was set up on the orders from Elizabeth in 1756, and became the first permanent company in Russia. The main facade of the rectangular building overlooks a square; it is decorated with a six-Corinthian column loggia. The loggia is framed by niches with sculptures of the Muses. The attic floor is crowned by the chariot of Apollo. The sides of the building are decorated with eight-column porticoes. The auditorium looks magnificent. The boxes and the stage are richly ornamented with velvet and gilded wood carvings. The theatre was named after Empress Alexandra, the wife of Nicolas I. Classical works are frequently staged here, for example, "Hamlet" or "Three Sisters" by Chekhov. One of the greatest and the most important premieres was "The Inspector General" by Nikolai Gogol' in 1836. In summer ballet performances are organised in the theatre.
