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Prague · Performing Arts Landmark

National Theatre, Prague: A Landmark of Czech Performing Arts

Prague's neo-Renaissance gem, home to opera, ballet, and drama on the Vltava.

MusicLocal heritageArchitecture

The National Theatre is widely recognized as the Czech Republic's premier stage, housed within a magnificent historical building from 1883. It serves as the flagship venue for the National Theatre institution, offering a rich program of opera, drama, and ballet productions.

The National Theatre in Prague, built in 1883, is considered the Czech Republic's prime stage for opera, drama, and ballet performances.

National Theatre
National Theatre: Czech Performing Arts Landmark

Inaugurated in 1883, the National Theatre in Prague serves as the Czech Republic's paramount stage. It is the flagship venue for a larger institution, presenting a rich program of opera, drama, and ballet across its four companies and distinct buildings. Visitors can immerse themselves in diverse performing arts within this historically significant architectural setting, appreciating both its grand exterior and detailed interiors.

Ornate theater interior with red seats, multiple balconies, and a large chandelier under a decorated ceiling
National Theatre opening hours in Prague

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for National Theatre. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Prague.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
09:00-18:00
09:00-18:00
09:00-18:00
09:00-18:00
09:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
Accessibility and Facilities at the National Theatre

The National Theatre in Prague provides support for visitors with reduced mobility through dedicated access paths and specialized seating arrangements. Guests requiring wheelchair access are encouraged to coordinate with the venue in advance to ensure availability of these limited spaces. These facilities reflect the theatre's commitment to maintaining an inclusive environment for all guests attending performances.

Special access path

Available

Accessible to disabled persons / Wheelchair accessible

Limited

Advance booking for wheelchair users

Available
National Theatre Location in Prague

The National Theatre stands prominently on Ostrovní street in Prague's historic Nové Město neighborhood, a well-known area of the capital. Its accessible and central position provides visitors with convenient access to experience a range of acclaimed Czech opera, drama, and ballet performances.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Ostrovní 225/1

110 00 Prague

Nové Město, Prague, CZ

Visiting the National Theatre

The National Theatre in Prague opens its doors 45 minutes before each performance. Visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately for the festive occasion, though a strict dress code is only for special events. An underground car park, accessible from Ostrovní Street, is available for those arriving by car, with parking fees applying. Please note that entry may be denied for visibly soiled clothes or disruptive behavior.

Visiting the National Theatre

National Theatre Visitor Experience

The National Theatre in Prague, a revered neo-Renaissance landmark inaugurated in 1883, is the prime stage for Czech opera, drama, and ballet, functioning as the flagship venue for the broader National Theatre institution. Visitors are invited to experience world-class performing arts, immersing themselves in a rich program of productions within its historically significant architectural setting. Beyond the captivating performances, guests can admire the impressive 1883 architecture, from its grand exterior to the lavishly decorated interiors. This includes the intricate details of the auditorium, the magnificent chandelier, and the iconic curtains, all contributing to a captivating backdrop for any cultural evening and a deep dive into Czech heritage.

Ornate theater interior with red curtains, gold balconies, and multiple levels of seating

History of the National Theatre

The concept for a Czech National Theatre in Prague emerged among patriots in 1844, leading to the start of its construction in 1867. After its initial opening in June 1881, a fire unfortunately destroyed significant parts of the building later that year. Through a major national collection and reconstruction led by architect Josef Schulz, the National Theatre was grandly inaugurated on November 18, 1883, becoming an *enduring symbol* of Czech culture and the alma mater of Czech opera. It served for nearly a century before undergoing another extensive reconstruction from 1977 to 1983, reopening on its 100th anniversary with renewed technical capabilities.

  • Idea for National Theatre dates back to 1844

    1844Founding

    The concept of establishing a Czech National Theatre originated in the autumn of 1844 among patriots in Prague. An application for the privilege to construct and manage the theatre was submitted in January 1845, and granted in April of the same year.

  • Construction of National Theatre began in 1867

    1867Construction

    Following an open competition, architect Josef Zítek was commissioned to design the National Theatre. Construction commenced in 1867, with the foundation stone laid on May 16, 1868, and foundations completed by November of that year.

  • National Theatre building reached full height in 1875

    1875Construction

    The construction of the National Theatre progressed over several years. The building reached its full height in 1875, and the roofing work was completed in 1877.

  • National Theatre opened on June 11, 1881

    1881Opening

    The National Theatre was first opened on June 11, 1881, in honor of the visit of Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria. The premiere of Bedřich Smetana's opera Libuše was conducted by Adolf Čech.

  • Fire destroyed parts of the National Theatre in August 1881

    1881Renovation

    Shortly after its initial opening, a fire broke out on August 12, 1881, while finishing touches were being completed. The fire resulted in the destruction of the copper dome, auditorium, and stage.

  • Reconstruction of National Theatre completed in 1883

    1883Renovation

    Following a significant national collection that raised one million florins in 47 days, architect Josef Schulz led the reconstruction. He expanded the edifice and modified the auditorium, merging three buildings into a unified style. The National Theatre was inaugurated on November 18, 1883.

  • National Theatre served for nearly a century before extensive reconstruction

    1883-1977Overview

    The reconstructed National Theatre, with its advanced technical equipment including electric illumination and a steel-constructed stage, functioned effectively for almost one hundred years before undergoing another major closure for reconstruction in 1977.

  • Additional reconstruction of National Theatre from 1977 to 1983

    1977-1983Renovation

    The National Theatre was closed for six years starting April 1, 1977, for an extensive reconstruction project led by architect Karel Prager. This reconstruction was completed in time for the theatre's 100th anniversary.

  • National Theatre reopened on November 18, 1983

    1983Opening

    The National Theatre was handed back to the public on November 18, 1983, following its extensive reconstruction. The reopening was marked by a performance of Smetana's opera Libuše.

  • National Theatre management transferred to National Theatre Company in 1900

    1900Ownership

    In 1900, the regional government did not renew the contract with the private guild managing the National Theatre. Consequently, the theatre's management was transferred to a new National Theatre Company, seen as more receptive to new ideas.

  • Karel Kovařovic appointed opera director in 1900

    1900Notable person

    Following the transfer of management in 1900, composer Karel Kovařovic became the opera director. His work led to noticeable improvements in the orchestra, chorus, and solo ensemble, and he attracted leading singers.

  • Otakar Ostrčil succeeded Kovařovic as opera director in 1920

    1920Notable person

    After Karel Kovařovic's death in 1920, Otakar Ostrčil took over as opera director. He continued the progressive artistic direction and initiated a thorough renovation of stagings, including controversial productions.

  • Komerční banka Award established in 2005

    2005Milestone

    On May 4, 2005, an agreement was signed between Komerční banka and the National Theatre to annually honor prominent acts in ballet, drama, and opera. The award, known as KOBANADI, includes a statuette and a monetary prize.

  • National Theatre is a monument to Czech history and art

    Cultural significance

    The National Theatre is recognized as a historic opera house and a national monument of Czech history and art. It is considered the alma mater of Czech opera and plays a crucial role in preserving and developing the Czech language and musical and dramatic traditions.

  • Architectural design involved Neo-Renaissance and Slavonic mythology themes

    Architecture

    The interior decoration of the National Theatre was guided by a scenario reflecting Neo-Renaissance principles and contemporary enthusiasm for Slavonic mythology and historical stories. Themes were inspired by Josef Mánes' paintings and aligned with the romantic landscape painting style connected to Czech history.

  • Exterior and interior sculptural elements by various artists

    Architecture

    The theatre's exterior features a triga and allegorical sculptures by Bohuslav Schnirch and Antonín Pavel Wagner. Interior elements include sculpted pieces by Schnirch, and artwork by Mikoláš Aleš and František Ženíšek was added during the 1883 reconstruction.

National Theatre FAQs: Solving Your Theatre Mysteries

Wondering if the National Theatre in Prague has a general email address or how best to arrange your visit if you use a wheelchair? Dive into our FAQs to find answers to these and many other practical questions, ensuring your experience is as smooth as a final curtain call.

What is the phone number and email for National Theatre ticket sales?

For ticket sales information at the National Theatre, you can call +420 224 901 448 or send an email to [email protected] or [email protected].

How do I contact the National Theatre orders department?

To reach the National Theatre's orders department, please call +420 224 901 319 or email [email protected].

How can I contact the National Theatre by phone?

You can reach the National Theatre's general phone center for various inquiries by calling +420 224 901 111.

Does the National Theatre have a general email address for inquiries?

The National Theatre provides specific email addresses for ticket sales and orders. A general email address for all types of inquiries is not explicitly provided in the available information.

National Theatre: Planning Your Visit

To plan your visit to the National Theatre, note that doors open 45 minutes before each performance. While there isn't a strict dress code for general attendance, guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for the festive occasion. An underground car park is available for those arriving by car, which is a paid service. For visitors using wheelchairs, special seating is provided, though capacity is limited; it is advisable to contact the sales department in advance for ticket arrangements and recommended to use the available staff assistance from the entrance to your seat.

National Theatre Visitor Suitability

The National Theatre in Prague offers an engaging experience for those interested in performing arts, specifically opera, drama, and ballet. Visitors who appreciate historical architecture and local cultural heritage will also find its lavish interiors and significant setting appealing. Those attending performances are encouraged to dress appropriately for the festive occasion. The venue provides limited wheelchair-accessible seating and special access paths, and guests requiring these facilities are advised to contact the sales department in advance for arrangements.

National Theatre Photo Gallery

Explore a visual journey through the National Theatre, showcasing its magnificent Neo-Renaissance architecture and lavish interiors. The gallery features ornate auditoriums with multi-tiered balconies, elegant red velvet seating, grand stages framed by golden accents, and sparkling chandeliers. These images offer a true sense of this historic landmark in Prague, from its intricate ceiling frescoes to its distinctive domed roof.

The wordmark 'Národní divadlo' with a central emblem
Ornate interior of the National Theatre with golden balconies, red seats, and a large stage curtain.
Ornate hallway with frescoed ceiling, chandeliers, and marble floor in the National Theatre
Neo-Renaissance building with a large domed roof, ornate stonework, and bronze statues of horsemen on the roofline
Ornate theater interior with red curtains, gold balconies, and multiple levels of seating
Ornate theater interior with a large chandelier, red seats, and decorative ceiling frescoes
Ornate interior of the National Theatre with golden columns, red curtains, and tiered balconies
Ornate theater interior with red seats, multiple balconies, and a large chandelier under a decorated ceiling
Ornate theater interior with multiple tiers of balconies, gilded decorations, blue seats, and a large crystal chandelier
Interior of the National Theatre with red seats, ornate balconies, and golden decorations
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