Janáček Theatre

Janáček Theatre is an opera house in Brno, Czech Republic, and the largest of the three venues that host the National Theatre Brno ("NdB") opera and ballet company, alongside the Mahen Theatre and the Reduta hall. Its size makes it the main stage for the company's larger-scale opera and ballet productions.

When was Janáček Theatre built?

Construction began in 1960, following decades of delay before the project for a new opera house in Brno was finally realized. The theatre opened in October 1965. Since then it has premiered around twenty operas and ballets, giving it a significant place in the development of Czech musical theatre from the second half of the twentieth century onward.

Why is the theatre named after Janáček?

The building takes its name from Leoš Janáček, one of the most important Czech composers, who had close ties to Brno. The theatre's orientation reflects this connection in a deliberate way: its façade faces north, away from the city center, toward the nearby house where the composer lived. On the adjacent, carefully landscaped green space stands a grand memorial dedicated to Janáček, further reinforcing the site's link to its namesake.

What has changed at the theatre in recent years?

The building underwent a major renovation that was completed in 2018. The modernization brought the theatre's technical and performance infrastructure up to contemporary standards while preserving its role as one of the leading opera venues in the Czech Republic.

What is the Janáček Theatre's place within the National Theatre Brno?

The National Theatre Brno runs its opera and ballet program across three venues: the Janáček Theatre, the Mahen Theatre, and the Reduta hall. Of these, the Janáček Theatre is the largest, which is why it hosts the productions that require the most stage space and audience capacity — the company's major opera and ballet stagings.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Janáček Theatre located? The theatre is located in Brno, Czech Republic, in an area set back from the city center, with its façade facing toward the house of Leoš Janáček.

When was Janáček Theatre built? Construction started in 1960, and the theatre opened in October 1965, after the project had been delayed for decades.

How many premieres has Janáček Theatre hosted? Since opening, the theatre has premiered roughly twenty operas and ballets.

Has the building been renovated? Yes, a major renovation of the theatre was completed in 2018.

What other theatres make up the National Theatre Brno? Besides the Janáček Theatre, the National Theatre Brno also includes the Mahen Theatre and the Reduta hall — together the three venues form the company's opera and ballet stages.