Review article

The article presents the study of the theatre buildings in Saint- Petersburg referring to the XVIII century that are regarded as part of the urban development. The authors describe creation of theater squares, the first city public plazas of correct geometrical form, emergence of a concise and expressive element, namely, a multicolumn portico with the crowning triangular pediment, which has become a classical "temple of arts" symbol. The image of the theatre building in the historic centre of Saint-Petersburg in the XIX century is presented. Establishment of urban ensembles with the dominant position of free-standing theatre buildings is discussed. Change of the architectural style of Saint-Petersburg theatres is observed.