Theatre & Dance in Prague

The National Theatre is a cultural identity of Prague. It is the prime theatre of the Czech Republic and a prominent European cultural space that opened in 1881. It belongs to many important cultural institutions of the Czech Republic. The National Theatre showcases opera, drama, ballet and Laterna magika. There are different performances based on classical legacy; also some prominent Czech works; it also provides a stage for contemporary worldwide creations.

Address: Národní 2, 110 00 Nové Město, CZ.

The State Opera has its unique history and journey. Its establishment dates back to 1888, when it was known as the New German theatre. Later, the name was changed to Smetana theatre, and again it was renamed the State Opera Theatre. It is a part of the National Theatre and holds over 300 performances annually. The theatre works for exhibiting the traditional European arts like opera and drama and also has a notable contribution to the documentation and publication of old theatrical activities.

Address: Wilsonova 4, 110 00 Praha 1-Vinohrady, CZ.

This splendid theatre was built in 1783 and has been preserved in almost the same condition. The theatre's history is embedded with numerous prestigious performances of music and drama. The Estates Theatre is a part of the most prominent National Theatre, which has always provided a stage for rich arts like classical drama, opera and ballet. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart conducted the world premiere of his opera Don Giovanni in October 1787 at Estates Theatre.

Address: Železná, 110 00 Staré Město, CZ.

Located at the historical centre of world puppetry, Žatecká-Staré Město, the National Marionette Theatre is a theatre company devoted to puppetry shows. The company, active since 1929, stages exclusive puppet performances that are adaptions of classic opera and theatre almost every day in the evening. So far, the National Marionette Theatre has staged several puppet shows for adults and children and has kept the legacy alive.

Address: Žatecká 98 /1, 110 00 Josefov, CZ.

Black Light Theatre, commonly known as Black Theatre, is a form of theatre that uses black light. Originating in Asia, this theatrical style has become famous in Prague. The black theatre uses black curtains, fluorescent costumes, a dark stage, and UV lights to create visual illusions. Some of the leading Black Light theatres in Prague, Czech Republic, are:
▪ HILT Black Light Theatre
▪ Black Light Theatre Srnec (Černé Divadlo Srnec)
▪ Image Black Light Theatre (Image Černé divadlo)
▪ WOW Black Light Theatre (Wow černé divadlo)
▪ Ta Fantastica (Divadlo Ta Fantastika)
▪ Black Light Theatre Metro (Divadlo Metro)
▪ Velvet's Theatre

One more feather in the crown of rich European art and culture, the Rudolfinum is a building at Jan Palach Square, Prague. The Galerie Rudolfinum and Czech Philharmonic Orchestra are based in this building. The Dvořák Hall is the largest music auditorium where Prague Spring International Music Festival takes place. The Galerie Rudolfinum is an art gallery and a non-profit institution that hosts temporary exhibitions.

Address: Alšovo nábř. 12, 110 00 Josefov, CZ.

Karlín Musical Theatre (Hudební Divadlo Karlín) This is the second largest theatre in Prague, initially used as a stage circus arena for magic and midget shows. However, the theatre developed as a well-known venue for musicals and operettas in the later phase. Built in 1881, the Karlín Musical Theatre is the second largest theatre in Prague, devoted mainly to the performance of operettas and musical theatre.

Address: Křižíkova 283, 186 00 Karlín, CZ.

Laterna magika happens to be the world's first multimedia theatre, founded in 1958. It is a beautifully designed massive glass structure located at Národní, next to the National Theatre, and it is one of the ensembles of the National Theatre. Herein, the visitors can witness the combination of theatre with film and dance. Also, this theatre features numerous performances with mime artists and dancers from all genres, like ballet and contemporary dance. A visit to Laterna magika is necessary for a unique Czech theatre experience.

Address: Národní 4, 110 00 Nové Město, CZ.

The New Stage is open for contemporary theatre forms. The construction of the building was done between 1981 and 1983. The architecture of the building is considered as the most contentious in Prague. Initially, New Stage was to be used for drama, ballet, and chamber opera; however, now it functions as a stage for performing multi-genre arts. It is part of the National Theatre and the home of the Laterna Magica and other projects.

Address: Národní 1393, 110 00 Nové Město, CZ.

Vinohrady Theatre is located in the cadastral district of Královské Vinohrady in Prague. It was constructed in 1905 and served as the Theatre of the Czechoslovak Army between 1950 and 1966. It is dedicated to art forms like comedies, musicals and dramas.

Address: Náměstí Míru 1450/7, 120 00 Vinohrady, CZ.

Broadway Theatre is located on Celetná street and Na Příkopě, Old Town, Prague. It is a part of the Palace Sevastopol, built in a functionalist style. It was inaugurated in 2002 with the Musical Cleopatra as its debut; since then, it has concentrated on featuring musicals and acts. The theatre can be a lovely venue for people interested in multi-genre music.

Address: Na Příkopě 988/31, 110 00 Staré Město, CZ.

The Švandovo Theatre located in Smíchov is a stage of Prague which is supported by the Municipality of Prague 5. The theatre, with a capacity of around 300 visitors, is the first drama theatre with English supertitles. The theatre gives opportunities to different projects and alternative companies. The theatre also organises various events for children and youngsters.

Address: Štefánikova 6/57, 150 00 Praha 5-Smíchov, CZ.

Minor theatre located in Vodičkova St. was opened in 2001 and in 2002 won the prestigious award for 'Building of the year'. It is an energetic, playful, contemporary puppet theatre in Prague, especially for children and youngsters. The directors and artists from opera, films and puppet theatre present their creations here. There are also mute clown performances and productions.

Address: Vodičkova 674, 110 00 Nové Město, CZ.

The Spejbl and Hurvínek Theatre is the first puppet theatre established in 1930 in Pilsen. It was then re-established in Prague in 1945. Most of the performances take place in the Czech Republic. However, some are held abroad too. The comedy duo Spejbl and Hurvínek, made from fine wood, have gained international success for their shows. The other puppets in the show are Mánička, Mrs Kateřina Hovorková alias granny and Žeryk.

Address: Dejvická 919, 160 00 Praha 6-Bubeneč, CZ.

Archa Theatre is a venue for presenting contemporary stage art without limitations of genres. Founded in 1994, It is a production house promoting contemporary art and collaborates with other organisations. Artists from this theatre present their own creations not only here but also at other venues. The theatre's International Summer School serves as a platform for experimentation and research in the documentary theatre field.

Address: Na Poříčí 1047/26, 110 00 Nové Město, CZ.

Palace Theatre is located at Wenceslas Square in the heart of Prague. Here, visitors can witness elite acting performances bought together under one roof. The theatre organises drama performances, art festivals and charity shows.

Address: Václavské nám. 819/43, 110 00 Nové Město, CZ.

Dejvice Theatre, established in 1992, is located on Zelená Street in Prague. This theatre is one of the most visited theatres in the Czech Republic. Since its establishment, this theatre has been staging numerous multi-genre art performances.

Address: Zelená 1084, 160 00 Praha 6-Dejvice, CZ.

RockOpera (formerly known as Millennium Theatre or Metropolitan Theatre Prague), located in the Praha 7, is a modern musical theatre of Prague. It sports one of the largest auditoriums in Prague, with a capacity of over 900 seats. Many famous artists have performed in this theatre. It also hosts a variety of cultural events every year.

Address: Komunardů 306/1, 170 00 Praha 7-Holešovice, CZ.