Divadlo Kolowrat

Divadlo Kolowrat is a small chamber theatre tucked into the attic of the Kolowrat Palace on Ovocný trh, right in the historic heart of Prague. The building stands next to the State Opera's sister venue, the Estates Theatre (Stavovské divadlo), with which it shares an underground passage — together the two form a single theatrical complex in the middle of the Old Town.

Where exactly is the theatre located?

The Kolowrat Palace sits on Ovocný trh square, a short walk from the Estates Theatre and Náměstí Republiky (Republic Square). It fits naturally into a stroll through the Old Town, roughly between the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.

How big is the stage and how many people can it seat?

Divadlo Kolowrat is a chamber stage — the auditorium holds between 90 and 140 seats depending on how the hall is arranged for a given production. That scale means a much closer relationship between actors and audience than in Prague's large, formal theatre houses.

What is the history of the building and the stage?

From 1953 the Kolowrat Palace belonged to the National Theatre, which used it for administrative and technical facilities. In the second half of the 1980s, under architect Miroslav Řepa, a major reconstruction of the Estates Theatre began, which also included restoring the palace itself.

After the renovation was completed, the palace was returned to the Kolowrat family in 1991 through restitution. Count Jindřich Kolowrat-Krakowský then signed a twenty-year lease with Prague's National Theatre for a symbolic annual rent of one Czech crown. Under this arrangement, Divadlo Kolowrat opened on 2 December 1991 with the premiere of Felix Mitterer's play "Visiting Hours" ("Návštěvní doba").

What kind of theatre is staged here?

Over more than two decades, Divadlo Kolowrat has become a home for intimate and experimental drama, distinct from the grand classical productions staged next door at the Estates Theatre. Since 2014 the venue has hosted several professional acting ensembles, bringing a mix of styles and themes to its programme.

Why is it worth a visit?

Divadlo Kolowrat suits travelers looking for something beyond the big tourist-oriented shows in Prague's grand halls — its small auditorium means an up-close experience with the actors, and its setting inside a historic palace next to the Estates Theatre adds a layer of history to the visit. It's a solid choice for drama enthusiasts who want to see a less obvious side of Prague's theatre scene.

Frequently asked questions

How many seats does Divadlo Kolowrat have? Between 90 and 140, depending on how the hall is set up for a particular production.

Since when has the theatre operated in its current form? Since 2 December 1991, when it opened with the premiere of Felix Mitterer's play.

Is Divadlo Kolowrat the same building as the Estates Theatre? No, they are neighboring but separate buildings, linked by an underground passage and jointly managed by the National Theatre.