★★★★★ 5.0
Discover
National Theatre
Did you know that beneath your feet right now lies a network of secret tunnels where resistance fighters once plotted to assassinate Hitler himself? Yes, THIS very building, this fortress of concrete that looks like it could withstand a nuclear blast, became the nerve center of Czech resistance in 1941. Look at those brutal concrete walls rising before you... this Brutalist masterpiece from 1983 took FOURTEEN years to complete, using enough concrete to build a highway from Prague to Vienna. The architect, Karel Prager, deliberately designed it to look like a medieval castle reimagined for the atomic age. Before this theatrical fortress stood here, this was the site of the old customs house where Franz Kafka's father once stored his fancy goods... imagine his horror at this concrete monster! Step inside through those massive bronze doors - each one weighs three tons - and you'll enter a lobby where Václav Havel gave his first speech as president in 1989, still wearing his prison clothes from just weeks before. Those golden glass panels you see? They're actually made with REAL gold dust, a secret Communist splurge that cost more than building an entire apartment block. This remains the ONLY theatre in the world with three separate stages that can rotate and combine into one super-stage... where else can you watch Hamlet while the next act of Don Giovanni is literally spinning into place behind the walls?
Did You Know?
- The National Theatre in Prague was built almost entirely through donations from Czech citizens as a symbol of national pride and cultural identity during a time of rising Czech nationalism in the 19th century—even after a devastating fire destroyed much of the building just before its grand opening, the Czech people rallied together and raised enough funds in just 47 days to rebuild it, reopening in 1883 as a testament to their resilience and unity.
- Designed by Czech architect Josef Zítek, the theatre is a masterpiece of neo-Renaissance architecture, featuring an elaborate facade with gold accents, intricate sculptures by artists like Josef Václav Myslbek, and a ceiling painted by František Ženíšek depicting an allegory of art—inside, the grand auditorium boasts plush red velvet seats, crystal chandeliers, and a famous curtain painted by Vojtěch Hynais, making every visit a feast for the eyes.
- The National Theatre has hosted world premieres of some of the most famous Czech operas, including Antonín Dvořák’s 'Rusalka' and Leoš Janáček’s 'The Excursions of Mr. Brouček,' and has been graced by legendary performers such as Ema Destinnová and Beno Blachut—its stage has also witnessed historic events beyond the arts, serving as a gathering place for cultural and political movements throughout Czech history.