Aleksanterin Teatteri (Alexandrian Theatre), Helsinki

The Alexandrian Theatre is a premiere institution that is named after Czar Alexander II of Russia. It is located in the Heitalahti Square in Helsinki. It was built to be the first theatre for the Russian people of Finland. Sinebrychoff Park is located nearby.

It was organized in 1875 by Count Nikolay Adlerberg, who got permission to construct the local theatre from Alexander II. The overall architecture of the building was done so that it would mimic the Marinsky Theatre of Saint Petersburg, Russia. It opened to the public in 1880.

In more recent times, the building has been used to host stage productions from a variety of international dance and theatre groups. It also is home to the business center for the Cultural Office. The Sibelius Academy has an opera studio here, and the National Opera hosts a school of ballet from these walls as well.

This location is a mainstay for cultural life in Helsinki, and is a must see. There is always something going on. The main halls can seat 500 people. Catered affairs are also held here.