The Perm Tchaikovsky Opera and Ballet Theatre is one of the oldest and most renowned in modern Russia. It was founded in pre-revolutionary times and has since almost never ceased its activities. Over its existence, the theatre has changed locations several times. The first building burned down, the second was located on the banks of the Kama River, and the third also burned down in 1863. Only with the fourth attempt did the theatre find a permanent place. In 1864, it was moved closer to the city council, where in 1874 the construction of a new building with a spacious stage began. The project was developed by the famous Perm architect and engineer of Polish descent, Rudolf Iosifovich Karvovsky. Under his guidance, the construction was completed in 1880, and the first performance took place on the new stage. At that time, the theatre's troupe was particularly strong, and opera productions became the main event for the small district town.

Initially, the theatre was funded by local patrons, but in 1896 it was transferred to state funding, which was met with approval. Before the arrival of Soviet power, the Perm city council was responsible for financing the theatre seasons. The theatre survived the Civil War and resumed operations. In 1965, it was named after the great composer Tchaikovsky, and since 1969 it has held the status of an academic theatre. Today, the theatre remains one of the best in the country, and its ancient building, restored and partially changed over the last 100 years, is a monument of architecture.