On the site where the regional administration building now stands, there was a summer theater in the distant 19th century. The residents of Yekaterinodar enjoyed attending theatrical performances, despite the whims of the weather.

In 1864, a theater troupe arrived in Yekaterinodar, whose performances drew full houses. The townspeople also organized amateur productions to diversify provincial life.

Over time, a permanent theater did not appear in the city. The city council repeatedly discussed its construction, but theater enthusiasts had to make do with an old wooden building with a leaking roof and a modest foyer. However, fate resolved this problem: in April 1908, the summer theater burned down.

On the corner of Krasnaya and Gogolevskaya streets, the construction of a new, solid Winter Theater began on May 22, 1908. The project, in the style of frame buildings, was developed by Moscow architect F.O. Shekhtel. The building, covered with cement plaster, looked light and airy. It was crowned with a wide cornice that slightly protruded over the facade. Quotes from great composers and playwrights were placed on the walls, along with the date of the theater's construction. The building made a strong impression on the audience.

The interior decoration was also striking. From the spacious and beautiful foyer, visitors ascended the grand staircase, passed through a series of bright rooms, and entered the auditorium with 1,300 seats. The hall was illuminated by three chandeliers with 750 colored bulbs. Graceful curves of the boxes, high windows, and excellent resonance created an atmosphere for the perception of stage art. The stage itself was set on movable platforms of varying heights, which helped avoid noise during performances. The grand opening of the theater took place on September 28, 1909, and on October 1, the opera season began with a performance of Giuseppe Verdi's 'Aida.'

Many famous personalities performed on the theater stage, such as Alexander Vertinsky, Igor Severyanin, and Vladimir Mayakovsky.

In 1935, the Winter Theater acquired a permanent theater troupe, and since 1973, the building has been the property of the Krasnodar Philharmonic.

During the war, Krasnodar was occupied and heavily damaged, and the Winter Theater was among the affected buildings. Only the foundation remained. After World War II, the theater was restored with some changes to its appearance.

Since 1997, the Krasnodar Philharmonic has been named after Grigory Fedorovich Ponomarenko, who worked here for 16 years. A monument to the people's artist is installed near the philharmonic. The building itself is a monument of architecture and is under state protection.