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National Theatre – a place to savour cultural moments
Czech name: Národní divadlo
Today, the National Theatre, an iconic symbol of Czech history, stands proudly near Prague Castle, having opened its doors in 1881, a living national monument celebrating the cultural legacy of the Czech Republic.
There are few locations in the world as impressive as the National Theatre in Prague. In the 21st-century, you can take in a show from any of the genres of opera, ballet, and drama that are regularly held at the location in the capital city of the Czech Republic. The National Prague Theatre Prague is a historic building that dates back to 1881 and has been redesigned and renovated numerous times over the course of its history. The chance to enjoy some time in a historic building while enjoying some of the best art events in one of the most impressive capitals of Europe.
Where is the National Theatre Located in Prague & How to Get There
Prague sightseeing is easy to do when you are heading to the stunning building that has an underground parking lot located just off Ostrovní Street. If you choose to drive to the theatre, you will find the Theatre located in the Old Town region where you will follow the Masaryk Embankment towards the Dancing House.
If you choose to travel to the National Theatre Prague using public transport you can use either tram or the metro system. Several trams can be taken from your hotel or a local tourist attraction directly to the steps of the theatre (Národní divadlo stop), including the numbers 2, 9, 12, 15, 17, 18, 22, and 23. When you have been to a performance at Prague’s National Theatre in the evening, there are several night trams to take to your hotel, including 93, 97, 98, and 99.
Opening Hours & Tickets
The cost of tickets varies by the performance with each event being individually-priced with performance times and costs being published on the National Theatre’s website. If you are choosing to see a performance at the National Prague Theatre, you can decide to book your tickets online to avoid any processing or booking fees.
When deciding to attend a performance at the National Theatre, you will be able to access the entrance to the theatre around 60 minutes before your performance is about to begin. The box office is also open throughout the day before performances with the office closing when the performance begins.
What to Do & What to See at the National Theatre of Prague
The building housing the National Theatre Prague sits on the banks of the Vltava river and is one of the most beautiful to be found in the city of Prague. The original building may have burned in the late-19th-century, but the historic building is on the list of sights to see when Prague sightseeing. Over the years, there have been many additions to the site of the theatre that has become tourist attractions for their architecture.
The available programs available for the National Theatre in Prague are based around the performances available in three categories. There are performances in the opera, ballet, and straight plays that can be seen in Prague at the National Theatre that sits on the banks of the Vltava river. Classic operas, such as “La Traviata” and the dramatic play, “Faust” are among the performances that can be seen at the theatre. There are four stages available on the campus of the National Theatre, which also include the State Opera House, the Estates Theatre, and the New Stage.
Experience the magic of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake at the stunning National Theatre in Prague, showcasing some of the world’s finest ballet dancers and a breathtaking stage design that will leave you mesmerized.
The National Theatre in Prague is a historic and stunning venue that has hosted many acclaimed performances, including the beloved Nutcracker ballet.
History of the National Theatre of Prague
The planning stages of the National Prague Theatre began in the 1840s but was stalled for around two decades before the cornerstone of the theatre was laid. It took until 1881 for the theatre to be ready for its grand opening that was planned for a trip to Prague by Crown Prince Rudolph of Austria. After only a handful of performances at the theatre, a fire broke out that resulted in its closure until 1884.
The reconstruction of the theatre was undertaken with the aid of Czech artists Mikoláš Aleš and František Ženíšek who made this one of the most impressive theatres in Europe. In 1977, the lack of modernization of the theatre led to the development of a plan to update the original building and add the New Stage in a construction program that took six years to complete.
Celebrating Cultural Legacy: The Heartbeat of Czech Artistry at the National Theater
The National Theater stands as a true testament to the cultural spirit of the Czech people. Founded by the renowned composer Bedřich Smetana, it embodies the essence of Czech cultural identity. The majestic building of the National Theater itself is a masterpiece, adorned with intricate architectural details that reflect the nation’s artistic heritage. As a hub for opera, ballet, and drama, the National Theater has been a focal point for both traditional and contemporary performances, serving as a space where the rich tapestry of Czech artistic expression comes to life. It remains a source of immense pride for the Czech people, a symbol of their unwavering dedication to preserving and celebrating their cultural heritage on both national and international stages.
