main building of the National Theatre in Prague

The main building of the National Theatre in Prague stands on the bank of the Vltava River and is one of the most powerful symbols of the 19th-century Czech National Revival. Unlike most European theatres of the era, it was not commissioned by the state — it was built by the people, for the people, as a statement that Czechs deserved a grand stage of their own, separate from the German-speaking theatres already operating in the city.

Why was the theatre built by public subscription?

The idea of a dedicated Czech national theatre first surfaced in autumn 1844, but it took until April 1851 for the newly formed Society for the Establishment of a Czech National Theatre in Prague to launch a public fundraising appeal. When the government in Vienna declined to finance the project, organizers turned directly to ordinary citizens. Donations poured in from every layer of Czech society, from the poorest villagers to wealthy burghers, and even the Austro-Hungarian emperor contributed. This grassroots funding model turned the theatre into a genuine national monument rather than a simple cultural venue.

Who designed the building, and in what style?

The architectural design came from Czech architect Josef Zítek, and the resulting structure is regarded as one of the finest examples of Neo-Renaissance architecture in Central Europe. Construction began in 1865 and took sixteen years, with the grand opening finally held in 1881. The main façade is flanked by two staircase pylons, each crowned with a three-horse chariot carrying a statue of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. At ground level, five arched openings lead visitors toward the main entrance, giving the whole building an almost temple-like monumentality.

What does the interior look like?

Inside, the auditorium is decorated in a rich gold-and-crimson palette, framed by tiers of balconies. The ceiling carries paintings by František Ženíšek illustrating the story of art and the awakening of the nation. Among the building's most celebrated features is the main stage curtain, designed by Vojtěch Hynais, often described as the single most famous artwork housed within the theatre.

Why did the theatre open twice?

Shortly after its first opening in 1881, a fire severely damaged the newly finished building. Rather than derailing the project, the disaster triggered another wave of national mobilization, and the funds needed for reconstruction were raised remarkably quickly. The theatre reopened in 1883 with a performance of Bedřich Smetana's opera "Libuše" — a work that, exactly a century later, was also used to mark the building's symbolic reinauguration in 1983.

What made this theatre technically ahead of its time?

The National Theatre in Prague was among the first theatre buildings in Europe to be fitted with electric lighting. The system was installed after the fire, supplied by the company of František Křižík, a leading Czech pioneer of electrical engineering. This placed the Prague theatre among the most technologically advanced performance venues on the continent at the time.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the National Theatre in Prague? The building was designed by architect Josef Zítek in the Neo-Renaissance style.

When was the theatre built? Construction ran from 1865 to 1881, and after a fire the building was rebuilt and reopened in 1883.

Who paid for the construction? It was funded through public donations from Czechs of all social classes, with additional support from the Austro-Hungarian emperor.

What does the main curtain depict? The curtain was designed by Vojtěch Hynais and reflects the idea of national revival expressed through art.