Ayni Opera & Ballet Theatre

Top choice in Dushanbe


Built in 1942, this fine Opera House was completely refitted in 2009 and the gardens re-landscaped in 2013. It attracts quality international and local productions. There's no English website but it's easy enough to book in person at the front desk. A smart dress code is observed.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Dushanbe attractions

1. Bactria Centre

0.18 MILES

Language classes available in Russian and Persian are available at this cultural centre, together with concerts, art exhibitions and a showroom of…

3. Ethnography Museum

0.32 MILES

Sharing the same complex as the National Museum of Antiquities, this small museum houses an exquisite collection of traditional Tajikistan clothing …

4. Shah Mansur Bazaar

0.36 MILES

The Shah Mansur Bazaar, known in English as the 'Green Bazaar', is the heartbeat of Dushanbe trade and a great place to gain a sense of local life in the…

5. WWII Tank Monument

0.63 MILES

This monument commemorates the veterans who participated in the victory over Nazi Germany in June 1945.

6. Statue of Ismoil Somoni

0.63 MILES

One of Dushanbe’s most impressive modern monuments, this statue celebrates the 10th-century founder of the Samanid dynasty. With an art-deco quality to…

7. Gurminj Museum

0.64 MILES

Hidden within a private family compound behind unmarked green gates is a precious collection of antique musical instruments originating from across…

8. National Library

0.67 MILES

Opened in 2011 and constructed to resemble an open book, this US$40 million archive is reputed to be Central Asia's biggest library. It makes an…