Municipal Theatre in Český Krumlov

The Municipal Theatre in Český Krumlov (Czech: Městské divadlo v Českém Krumlově) is a working stage in the historic town centre that carries on a theatrical tradition stretching back more than five hundred years. While the current building is a fairly recent structure, the concept of a town theatre here dates back to the early 17th century and is closely tied to the local Jesuit order.

Where does the town's theatrical tradition come from?

The first stage in Český Krumlov emerged in the early 17th century, when the Jesuits running a school in the town used theatrical performances for educational and religious purposes. Around 1613, plays on biblical and church-historical themes were already being staged, performed in Latin in keeping with the practice of Jesuit schools of the era. After the Jesuit order was dissolved toward the end of the 18th century, the building didn't lose its purpose — it continued to serve both educational and theatrical functions, with the town renting out its space to traveling and local acting companies.

How did the stage change during the 19th century?

Throughout the 19th century, performances took place in the former Jesuit theatre building, which underwent renovation between 1808 and 1812. The venue operated under the name of the town theatre, though for a period — up until 1898 — plays were also staged at the castle theatre, reflecting the town's rich and multi-stranded theatrical life at the time.

Where did the current building on Horní Street come from?

The building housing today's theatre stands on Horní Street and is the result of a comprehensive reconstruction carried out at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s. Once the work was finished, the venue opened to the public on 22 June 1993. Since then, the Municipal Theatre has operated as a modern cultural institution, combining the historic legacy of the site with the technical facilities needed to run a regular program.

How many seats does the auditorium have?

The auditorium seats 265 people, making it an intimate but fully functional venue — suited to drama productions as well as musical performances and special events. This scale gives every show here a more personal feel than at larger city stages, with audiences kept close to the performers.

How many performances take place here each year?

The theatre maintains an active production schedule, staging more than 120 performances a year. This figure covers both in-house productions and guest performances, making the venue one of the more important hubs of cultural life in Český Krumlov, alongside the attractions centred on the castle and the historic old town.

Why is it worth a visit while in Český Krumlov?

The Municipal Theatre offers a different side of Český Krumlov than the usual routes focused on the castle and main square. It's a place of living local culture, where a stage tradition rooted in the Jesuit era meets a contemporary repertoire. For visitors planning a longer stay in town, checking the current program can be a good way to round out a day of sightseeing with an evening cultural event.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the theatrical tradition in Český Krumlov? It spans more than five hundred years, starting with performances organized by the Jesuits in the early 17th century.

When did the current theatre building open? After a comprehensive reconstruction, the building opened to the public on 22 June 1993.

How many people can the auditorium hold? The auditorium has a capacity of 265 seats.

How many performances are held each year? The theatre stages more than 120 performances annually.