Divadlo Za Plotem

Divadlo Za plotem is an unusual cultural venue in Prague, operating within the grounds of Psychiatrická nemocnice Bohnice, one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the Czech Republic, in the Bohnice district. Despite its location inside the hospital's fenced grounds, the theatre has long been open to the general public, not only to patients of the facility.

Where does the name come from?

The name "Za plotem" translates literally as "behind the fence," a direct reference to the venue's position inside the enclosed hospital complex. The tradition of cultural gatherings on this site dates back to 1932, when the hospital's first in-house theatre was established. The hall's current form, opened more widely to outside audiences, took shape after a thorough reconstruction in the autumn of 1991.

What happens inside?

Divadlo Za plotem functions as the hospital's cultural, social and educational centre. Its main hall, with 196 seats on the ground floor and an additional 50 seats in the balcony, hosts concerts, theatrical performances and film screenings — the cinema shows current new releases, and the programme also includes offerings for younger audiences. Events are aimed both at patients and their relatives and at the wider public from outside the hospital.

The building also houses a winter garden on the ground floor, used for trainings, meetings and smaller gatherings for groups of up to 80 people.

Recurring festivals and events

The venue co-organises major cultural festivals every year, including "Mezi ploty" and "Babí léto" — events that have drawn Prague residents and visitors from further afield to Bohnice for years, combining music, theatre and activities that bring hospital patients together with the local community.

Why it's worth a visit

Divadlo Za plotem is a rare example of a cultural institution operating within a psychiatric hospital that is genuinely open to outside audiences. It carries a distinctive atmosphere, shaped both by its history and by the role it plays in integrating patients with the wider community through art and shared cultural events.

Frequently asked questions

Can anyone visit Divadlo Za plotem, or only hospital patients? Anyone can attend. The theatre and cinema are open to the general public — the concerts, performances and film screenings held here are aimed at patients and their families as well as at Prague residents and tourists.

How long has this venue existed? The tradition of an in-house theatre here dates back to 1932, and the hall took its current form after a reconstruction in the autumn of 1991.

Where exactly is Divadlo Za plotem located? It sits within the grounds of Psychiatrická nemocnice Bohnice, on Ústavní street, in Prague's Bohnice district (Prague 8).

What kind of events take place there? Concerts, theatrical performances, film screenings, and the annual "Mezi ploty" and "Babí léto" festivals.