About this place
Malá scéna is an independent theatre in Zlín, housed in one of the city's most distinctive functionalist buildings. Constructed between 1936 and 1937 to a design by architect Vladimír Karfík, the building originally served as the Díly Commercial and Social House — a structure blending Zlín's industrial tradition with the aesthetics of Russian constructivism. Today the venue combines that architectural history with a lively programme of original theatrical work, making it a point of interest for both theatre-goers and fans of 20th-century architecture.
What is the history of the building?
The ground floor originally housed a cinema, shops and a library, while the upper floor contained a gymnasium and a café with a bowling alley. From the start, the building functioned as a multipurpose social house, serving Zlín residents' everyday cultural and recreational needs.
Between 1946 and 1967, the building was home to the Municipal Theatre of Zlín, then known as the Workers' Theatre. This period cemented the building's theatrical identity for decades, even though it went through several different uses in the years that followed.
When did today's Malá scéna open?
The modern theatre known as Malá scéna opened to the public at the end of 2006. It is run by the civic association Divadlo Malá scéna Zlín, which set out to restore the building's role as a living cultural venue, echoing its pre-war and post-war theatrical past.
The path was not smooth: in 2011 the theatre announced that financial difficulties might force it to close after that season. Despite these struggles, the stage survived and continues its work today.
What does the theatre focus on today?
Malá scéna is not part of the network of municipal theatres — it operates as a fully independent institution. The ground floor now serves as a theatre hall, home to two drama ensembles: Divadlo Malá scéna Zlín and Divadlo Scéna. The repertoire focuses mainly on original, in-house productions rather than staging adaptations or classic works in a conventional format.
What should visitors know before going?
Visitors to Malá scéna can expect the intimate atmosphere typical of independent theatre scenes, along with architecture that is itself a testament to the interwar modernist era in Zlín — a city closely tied to the industrial legacy of the Baťa family. This combination of building history, functionalist design and contemporary original artistic work makes Malá scéna a distinctive stop on the city's cultural map.
Frequently asked questions
Is Malá scéna a municipal theatre? No, it is an independent institution run by a civic association, not part of Zlín's network of municipal theatres.
Who designed the building? The building was designed by architect Vladimír Karfík and constructed between 1936 and 1937 as the Díly Commercial and Social House.
Since when has the current theatre been operating? The present-day Malá scéna opened to the public at the end of 2006.
Which theatre ensembles perform there? The ground floor is home to two drama ensembles: Divadlo Malá scéna Zlín and Divadlo Scéna.
Nearby places
Earn badges for the places you visit
Download NextOnTrip, discover new places and check off your trails.