About this place
Divadlo pod Palmovkou (Palmovka Theatre) is a classic drama theatre in Prague's Libeň district, standing at the bottom of Zenklova street right by the intersection and metro station of the same name, Palmovka. Over the years the venue has also operated under the names Theatre S. K. Neumann and Urban and Regional Theatre, reflecting a history of institutional change while the theatre itself has remained in place as a drama stage for the local community and visitors alike.
Where exactly is the theatre located?
The building sits in Libeň, one of the historic parts of Prague 8, precisely where Zenklova street meets the busy Palmovka junction. This location doubles as a major transport hub: the Palmovka metro station lies right next to the theatre, making it an easy stop for anyone moving through this part of Prague. Its coordinates place it at roughly 50.1055°N, 14.4731°E, on the eastern bank of the Vltava, in a district shaped largely by 19th- and 20th-century urban development.
Why does the theatre have several names?
The name "Divadlo pod Palmovkou" translates literally as "Theatre by Palmovka," a direct reference to its position next to the Palmovka junction. At different points in its existence, the venue has also been known as Theatre S. K. Neumann — honoring the Czech poet and writer Stanislav Kostka Neumann — and as the Urban and Regional Theatre. This string of names suggests shifts in the theatre's organizational affiliation or artistic profile over time, even as its physical home at the Palmovka crossing stayed constant.
What performance spaces does the building contain?
Divadlo pod Palmovkou is not a single-stage venue. Alongside its main stage, built for full-scale drama productions, the building houses an attic theatre — a smaller space tucked under the roof, intended for more intimate performances — as well as a separate studio theatre, designed specifically for close-contact, chamber-style work. Having three distinct spaces under one roof lets the theatre run a varied program at the same time: large-format drama on the main stage alongside smaller, more experimental or intimate pieces upstairs and in the studio.
Who is this theatre for?
Given its identity as a classic drama theatre with a layered set of performance spaces, Divadlo pod Palmovkou is primarily of interest to anyone drawn to Czech theatrical life and drama as an art form. Its position directly at the Palmovka metro station makes it an easy addition to an itinerary even for visitors not staying in Libeň, and its place at the district's main transport junction means a visit can readily be combined with exploring the rest of Prague 8.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Divadlo pod Palmovkou? The easiest way is by metro — the theatre stands right next to Palmovka station, at the point where Zenklova street meets the district's main junction.
Is it a single stage or several? The building contains three performance spaces: the main theatre hall, a smaller attic theatre for more intimate shows, and a separate studio theatre for chamber-style performances.
Where does the theatre's name come from? The name refers to the Palmovka junction next to which the building stands. In the past it was also known as Theatre S. K. Neumann and as the Urban and Regional Theatre.
Which part of Prague is the theatre in? It is located in Libeň, part of the administrative district of Prague 8, on the eastern bank of the Vltava.
What type of theatre is it? Divadlo pod Palmovkou is classified as a classic drama theatre.
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