In 1968, a modern (for its time) House of Knowledge with a 600-seat hall opened on Kirov Street. For many years it was extremely popular among Tashkent residents: lectures, poetry evenings, and concerts were held here. On its stage performed poets, bards (such as Sergey Nikitin, Alexander Dolsky, Veronika Dolina, Zhanna Bichevskaya), hypnotists, scientists, and diplomats. The city’s first disco with slide shows took place here, and the first computer courses operated.

Architects I. Demchinskaya, Yu. Miroshnichenko, S. Shuvaeva, and chief engineer A. A. Sidelnikov not only created maximum comfort for visitors but also successfully integrated the building into the historic surroundings. Many Tashkent residents still remember the original mosaic in the foyer.

In February 2001, the Academic Russian Drama Theatre of Uzbekistan moved into this building after losing its previous venue. Gradually, locals grew accustomed to the theatre’s new home.

After independence, Kirov Street was first renamed Ataturk Street and later Zarafshan Street.

In 2019, for the theatre’s 85th anniversary, the building underwent a complete reconstruction: the façade, auditorium, and interior spaces were renovated, new seats were installed, and the stage was modernized. That year, the theatre was visited by Valentina Matviyenko, Chair of the Federation Council of Russia.

In 2024, the theatre was closed again for repairs, which, as of 2025, remain unfinished.