Tylovo divadlo

Tylovo divadlo (the Tyl Theatre) in Kutná Hora is a functionalist theatre building that has served as the main stage for this historic Czech town for nearly ninety years. It stands right in the town centre, only a short walk from the UNESCO-listed monuments that make Kutná Hora famous around the world.

Why is the theatre named after Tyl?

The building takes its name from Josef Kajetán Tyl, one of the most important Czech playwrights and cultural figures of the 19th century, who was born in Kutná Hora. Tyl was the first to publicly voice the idea of building an independent theatre house for the town's amateur theatre association, of which he himself was a member. He did not live to see the idea realised, but his name was later placed on the building once it finally came to be.

When was the building constructed?

Tyl's idea only took concrete shape in 1931, when construction began based on designs by local Kutná Hora architects, brothers Rudolf and Josef Hrab. The pace of the work was remarkable for its time: the ceremonial opening took place on 12 November 1933, just 25 months after construction started.

Who designed the interior and auditorium?

Several authors contributed to the project. Rudolf Ryšán is credited as the likely author of the interior and facade, while the auditorium itself was designed by František Zelenka, a noted architect and stage designer of the interwar period known for his work with Prague's avant-garde theatre scene. As a result, the building combines a clean functionalist exterior with a carefully planned, purpose-built space for the audience.

What architectural style does the building represent?

Tylovo divadlo is a striking example of 1930s functionalist architecture, a style that in interwar Czechoslovakia represented progress and a new approach to public buildings. It was designed with great care both architecturally and technically, which has allowed it to remain in continuous use for its original purpose across the decades.

How many people can the auditorium hold?

The auditorium seats 507 people, including 6 wheelchair-accessible spaces. This capacity makes the Tylovo divadlo one of the larger stages in the region, able to host everything from theatrical productions to concerts and other cultural events.

Who runs the theatre today?

The building is operated by a contributory organisation established by the city of Kutná Hora, which manages not only the theatre itself but also the Modrý Kříž cinema. This combination turns the institution into a multifunctional cultural hub, serving both theatre performances and film screenings for residents and visitors alike.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the theatre called "Tylovo divadlo"? It is named after Josef Kajetán Tyl, a playwright born in Kutná Hora who was the first to propose building a dedicated theatre for the town's amateur theatre association.

When was Tylovo divadlo built? Construction began in 1931 and the theatre opened ceremonially on 12 November 1933 — the whole building process took only 25 months.

What architectural style is the building? It was designed in the functionalist style typical of 1930s Czechoslovak architecture, based on plans by architects Rudolf and Josef Hrab.

How many seats does the auditorium have? The auditorium has 507 seats, including 6 wheelchair-accessible spaces.

What else does the organisation that runs the theatre manage? The same municipal organisation also operates the Modrý Kříž cinema in Kutná Hora.