Chinese Theatre (Tsarskoye Selo)

The Chinese Theatre in Tsarskoye Selo, designed by Antonio Rinaldi in the Rococo style with elements of "chinoiserie," opened on June 13, 1779, with Giovanni Paisiello's opera "Demetrio." "The Barber of Seville" was performed on its stage with the participation of singer G. Sonntag, and Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich with officers performed in the play "Princess Greza." After the heating system was improved in 1909, the summer theater began operating year-round, and in 1902, electric lighting was installed for the visit of French President Loubet. The building stood empty from 1914 to 1930 and burned down during shelling on September 15, 1941, after which it was not restored.