Divadlo Karla Hackera

Divadlo Karla Hackera is one of Prague's smallest yet longest-running theatres, tucked away in the Kobylisy district of Prague 8. Housed in a building on Klapkova street for over a century, it has served the local community as a hub for puppet theatre and literary programming since the early 20th century.

Who founded the theatre, and where does its name come from?

The venue owes its existence to Karel Hacker, a teacher and local patriot who in 1913 founded an amateur puppet ensemble called Jiskra ("Spark"). Hacker purchased the entire building specifically to house this ensemble's activities, and the theatre still operates there today. Its current name, Divadlo Karla Hackera, honours the founder whose commitment created a lasting cultural institution in a district well outside Prague's typical tourist core.

What is Loutkové divadlo Jiskra?

At the heart of the venue is Loutkové divadlo Jiskra, the amateur puppet theatre Karel Hacker established more than a hundred years ago, which has continued to operate at the same address ever since. In 2023 the ensemble marked its 110th anniversary, making it one of the longest continuously running puppet theatres in the region. It stands as one of the most enduring examples of the amateur puppet theatre tradition that has been alive in Czech culture for decades.

What does the programme look like, and who is it for?

The theatre's schedule is clearly divided by audience. Weekends — Saturdays and Sundays — are given over to performances for children and families, making the venue a natural stop for anyone travelling with kids. Weekday mornings are reserved for organised groups: kindergartens and elementary schools attending educational shows. Monday evenings take on an entirely different character, aimed at adult audiences with classical theatre, literary evenings and musical programmes. Within this evening cycle, a standout feature is "Hvězdné večery" ("Star Evenings"), a discussion series in which the audience gets to meet acclaimed Czech artists.

How do you get there?

Divadlo Karla Hackera is located at Klapkova 26 in Prague's Kobylisy district. The easiest way to reach it is via metro line C to the Kobylisy station, from which the theatre is within walking distance. Trams 3, 10, 17 and 24, as well as buses 102, 144, 145, 152, 162, 169, 177 and 200, also stop nearby.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a good spot for families with children? Yes — the weekend puppet shows are aimed directly at young audiences, and the theatre's intimate size means children get an up-close experience with the stage.

Does the theatre offer anything for adults? It does — Monday evenings feature classical theatre, literature and music, including a discussion series with Czech artists, and are intended specifically for adult audiences.

Is this a large theatre? No — it is one of the smallest stages in Prague, setting it apart from the larger, more tourist-oriented theatres in the city centre and giving it a distinctly intimate, neighbourhood feel.

How long has the Jiskra ensemble been active? The amateur puppet ensemble Jiskra has operated continuously since 1913 and celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2023.