The State Kremlin Palace was opened in October 1961 under the name "Kremlin Palace of Congresses". The monumental building with a capacity of 6,000 people was erected in just 16 months. For the construction of the palace, some Kremlin buildings of the 15th-19th centuries were demolished.
The location of the building in the Moscow Kremlin corresponded to its socio-political role - the Kremlin Palace was the main place for party and trade union forums of the 60s - 80s, the XXII - XXVII Congresses of the USSR Communist Party were held here. The rest of the time, the Kremlin Palace functioned as a theater and concert venue, and as the second stage of the Bolshoi Theater. In 1992, by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation, the Kremlin Palace of Congresses was transformed into the State Kremlin Palace.
The auditorium of the Kremlin Palace is one of the best in the world; up to 1,000 artists can sit on its stage measuring 40x28 m and 28.8 m high.
Currently, the Kremlin Ballet Theater is based on the territory of the State Kremlin Palace. Every winter, the main New Year tree of Russia is held in the State Kremlin Palace.