The Bolshoi building, which for many years has been regarded as one of Moscow’s main sights, was opened on 20 October 1856, the day of the coronation of Tsar Alexander II. In 2002 the Bolshoi was given a New Stage and it was here it presented its performances during the years the Main Stage was undergoing massive reconstruction and refurbishment. The reconstruction project lasted more than six years and, in the process, many lost features of the historic building were reinstated. At the same time, the Bolshoi joined the ranks of most technically equipped theatre buildings in the world.