Theatre Old Shooting Range

Theatre Old Shooting Range (Divadlo Stará střelnice) is an unusual cultural venue in Hranice, Moravia, that merges a modern theatre stage with the legacy of a municipal shooting range dating back to the early nineteenth century. The complex sits in a scenic spot between the spa town of Teplice nad Bečvou and Hranice itself, making it a worthwhile stop for culture lovers and anyone looking for a quiet corner away from the town centre.

How did the site's history begin?

The story starts at the end of the eighteenth century, when Ignác Tambor acquired the surrounding meadows and gardens. It was his son František — later mayor of Hranice — who gave the place the character it still carries today. He built a garden house with a spacious courtyard where wine from his own vineyards in southern Moravia was served. In 1817 a shooting range was added behind the house, and a few years later the town's main shooting club was founded, using the range regularly for its activities.

Where did the theatre come from?

The enterprising František Tambor kept expanding his property, adding more rooms and eventually a large dance hall behind the house for shooting-club celebrations. Soon after, the Theatre Střelnice opened its doors, quickly drawing strong public interest. Alongside the stage, a restaurant with a lounge and an open-air summer terrace operated, and over time the complex grew to include a stylish guesthouse, tennis courts, and a children's playground. Stará střelnice became a social hub — a place for entertainment and leisure for several generations of local residents.

What does the venue look like today?

In 2011 the theatre underwent a thorough reconstruction that gave it its current, modern appearance. Since then the hall has operated as a fully equipped venue with its own rich cultural programme, hosting plays, concerts, and other artistic events that draw audiences from across the Hranice region. The site's historical character has been preserved while its technical facilities and visitor comfort were brought up to contemporary standards.

What else is there to see in the Stará střelnice complex?

Beyond the theatre stage itself, the area includes a restaurant with a lounge room, a summer garden restaurant, a stylish guesthouse, tennis courts, and a playground for children. This mix means visitors can pair an evening at the theatre with a meal outdoors or a longer stay in the area, taking advantage of the nearby Teplice nad Bečvou spa.

Why is it worth a visit?

Theatre Old Shooting Range combines more than two centuries of history with the function of a modern cultural centre. It is a rare example of a site that never abandoned its nineteenth-century identity as a sport-shooting venue but instead transformed it into a lively, multi-purpose community space. Its picturesque location between the spa and the town adds to the appeal, allowing a visit to be combined with a walk through the surrounding countryside or a relaxing stop in nearby Teplice nad Bečvou.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Theatre Old Shooting Range located? The venue lies in Hranice, Moravia, in a scenic area between the town and the Teplice nad Bečvou spa.

How old is the theatre? The site's history dates back to the early nineteenth century, when the shooting range and its surrounding buildings were established. The theatre itself has operated for generations and received its current modern form after a 2011 reconstruction.

What else does the complex offer besides the theatre? A restaurant with a lounge, a summer terrace, a guesthouse, tennis courts, and a children's playground.

Who is this place suited for? Theatre and cultural-event lovers, as well as anyone seeking a peaceful spot for a longer stay in the Hranice region.