- Address: Národní 2, 110 00 Nové Město, Czech Republic
- Phone: +420 224 901 448
- Website: narodni-divadlo.cz
- Opening: June 11, 1881
- Architectural style: Neo-Renaissance
- Architect: Josef Zytek
The National Theater in Prague is a subject of cultural pride of the city. This is the largest drama and opera theater in the Czech Republic . Undoubtedly, this miracle of architecture is necessary for visiting all tourists who are not indifferent to culture and art.
A little bit about the history of the theater
The Prague National Theater was built on June 11, 1881. On this day, the premiere of the production of Libuše, the opera by the Czech composer Bedřich Smetana, was held here. But in August of the same year there was a fire in the theater, which almost completely destroyed the building. Works on its restoration were carried out as quickly as possible, and on November 18, 1883 the theater was reopened, and the same opera was shown on its stage - "Libushe".
Since the theater was conceived as a national theater to demonstrate the achievements of the Czech opera and drama on its stage, the reconstruction of the theater was conducted with the donations of ordinary citizens. Now the theater shows, of course, not only the works of Czech authors, but also representatives of other countries and nationalities.
In 1976-1983 years. (by the centenary of the theater) it was renovated by the efforts of the architect Bohuslav Fuchs. The interior was changed, and the theater space was enlarged by adding a new scene, which, however, still does not get tired of criticizing. From 2012 to 2015, the appearance of the theater itself was also reconstructed, which, however, did not affect the schedule of performances - the National Theater was working in the regular mode.
Exterior of the theater
The National Theater in the style of neo-Renaissance was performed. It is decorated with many beautiful statues. For example, on the main facade there is an attic, depicting Apollo in a chariot and surrounded by nine muses. The northern facade is crowned with sculptures by Wagner and Myslbek.
Theater interior
The main feature of the interior of the National Theater in Prague is easy to see from the photo - this is a special pomposity, splendor and pretentious decoration, which at the same time admires its adjusted style.
In the foyer along the walls there are busts of figures who contributed to the development of the National Theater. Also, the ceiling of the foyer is decorated with a triptych "Golden Age, Decay and Resurrection of Art" by F. Zheniszek.
The auditorium is designed for 996 seats. The first thing you pay attention to is the huge chandelier hanging above the ground. It weighs as much as 2 tons and is designed for 260 bulbs.
On the ceiling again the works of F. Zhenishek's brush - this time the allegories of art depicted in the images of eight women: these are Lyrics, Ethics, Dance, Mimicry, Music, Painting, Sculpture and Architecture.
The curtain in the theater immortalized the fact that once the National Theater of Prague was built on the means of ordinary people. On it is embroidered with gold the phrase known to the Czechs: "Národ - sobě", which means "Nation to itself".
How to get there?
The National Theater cash desks are open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
On weekends, you can get on an excursion , where you will be shown all the working rooms and tell in detail the history of the Prague National Theater.
You can reach it by tram - routes Nos. 6, 9, 17, 18, 22, 53, 57, 58, 59 go to the stop Národní divadlo.