Divadlo Mír

Divadlo Mír is a professional theatre in the Vítkovice district of Ostrava, housed in a building that spent most of its existence as a cinema. Today it focuses mainly on drama and ranks among the more interesting cultural venues in this part of the city.

Where did the building and its name come from?

The building was constructed in the early 1930s as a Sokol-run cinema called Bio Rekord. Its construction was championed by MUDr. Ludvík Klega, a legionnaire and chairman of the local Sokol organization, who wanted to give the working-class district of Vítkovice a modern venue for entertainment. The cinema quickly became popular among residents connected to the nearby steelworks.

How did the building's purpose change over time?

From 1948 the cinema operated under a new name, Mír, meaning "peace" in Czech. Screenings continued uninterrupted until the 1990s, when film operations finally ended. The building did not stay empty for long, however — for a period it served as the headquarters of a local gymnastics club. Once the club moved out, the property began to deteriorate.

Over the following years the building changed hands several times. It was eventually acquired by Vietnamese merchants, who renovated the by-then dilapidated structure and used it for retail. The property later changed owners again and stood empty and unused for a considerable time.

How did today's theatre come about?

The turning point came in 2016, when actor Albert Čuba leased the building with the goal of establishing a new theatre scene in Ostrava. Operations under the name Divadlo Mír began in March 2017 with the premiere of the French comedy "Dva úplně nazí muži" ("Two Completely Naked Men") by Sébastien Thiéry.

Since then, the theatre has steadily built its repertoire, focusing primarily on dramatic productions while also staging comedies and lighter performances. Divadlo Mír has become an important part of cultural life in Vítkovice — a district long associated with heavy industry that, thanks to initiatives like this one, is gaining a different, more artistic identity.

What should visitors know before going?

The theatre occupies a historic, restored former cinema building, which is itself worth a look for anyone interested in architecture and local history. The repertoire changes seasonally, so it's worth checking the current program before visiting.

Frequently asked questions

What was the Divadlo Mír building originally used for? It was a cinema — first operating as Bio Rekord from the 1930s, then as Mír from 1948 until screenings ended in the 1990s.

When was the current theatre established? Divadlo Mír in its present form has operated since March 2017, when actor Albert Čuba leased the building.

What kind of repertoire can visitors expect? The theatre focuses mainly on drama, though comedies also appear in the program, as with its opening production "Dva úplně nazí muži."

Where exactly is the theatre located? In the Vítkovice district of Ostrava, inside a former cinema building.