The Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre stands at 28 Zarafshon Street in the Mirobod District of central Tashkent, Uzbekistan, close to Amir Timur Square. It was designed by the Russian architect Alexey Shchusev, who also designed Lenin's Mausoleum in Moscow, and built between 1939 and 1947. Construction continued through the Second World War, and Japanese prisoners of war held in Tashkent are recorded as having contributed labour to the project. It opened in November 1947 and is named for Alisher Navoi, the 15th-century poet and statesman.
The building combines Soviet classical monumentality with Central Asian decoration. The exterior is a rectangular block with a colonnade and ornamental frieze, while the interior makes heavy use of carved ganch plasterwork, painted ceilings, marble, chandeliers and wood. Master craftsmen from across Uzbekistan worked on the halls, and the foyers include panels and motifs that reflect different regional styles. The main auditorium seats roughly 1,400 spectators.
The theatre survived the 1966 earthquake that destroyed much of Tashkent with little damage, a fact often cited in local accounts as evidence of the quality of its construction. It has been restored and refurbished several times since, including work on the interior and the stage equipment, and it remains in active use.
The theatre is a performance venue rather than a museum, so visitors engage with its history by attending an opera, ballet or concert. The repertoire includes classic Russian and European works, and operas and ballets by Uzbek composers. The programme is posted at gabt.uz. Performances are typically held in the evening, and dress is smart-casual or better. Tickets are affordable compared with major European houses, and tours of the building may be arranged by enquiry.
| Admission | Tickets about 50,000-300,000 UZS (about $4-25) depending on the performance |
|---|---|
| Hours | Evening performances, typically 18:00 weekdays and 17:00 weekends; schedule at gabt.uz |
| Address | 28 Zarafshon Street, Mirobod District, Tashkent |
Why it matters
Designed by Alexey Shchusev and opened in 1947, the theatre is a landmark of Soviet architecture in Central Asia. It came through the 1966 Tashkent earthquake with little damage and remains the country's leading opera and ballet venue.
Location
28 Zarafshon Street, Mirobod District, Tashkent
41.3092, 69.2715 View on map
Highlights
- Interior of carved ganch plasterwork, chandeliers and painted ceilings
- Work of architect Alexey Shchusev, opened in 1947
- Evening opera and ballet performances in a 1,400-seat auditorium
- Survivor of the 1966 Tashkent earthquake
Tips for visiting
- Check the programme and buy tickets through the official site at gabt.uz.
- Dress smartly for evening performances.
- Arrive early to see the foyers and decorative interiors.
- Weekday performances start around 18:00 and weekend ones around 17:00.
- Ticket prices vary widely depending on the performance and seat.
When to visit
The season runs through autumn to spring with evening performances. Check the schedule as some months have fewer shows.
Accessibility
The building has stairs and a grand entrance, and accessibility for wheelchairs may be limited. Visitors should contact the box office before attending.
Frequently asked questions
Where can tickets be bought?
Tickets are sold through the theatre's official site, gabt.uz, and at the box office.
How long is a typical performance?
Most operas and ballets run two to three hours including intervals.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, for ballet and family performances, though evening start times may be late for younger children.
Is the theatre English-language friendly?
The programme is on the website in several languages, and the performances themselves are sung or danced, so little language is needed.