Tylův dům

Tylův dům is a historic theatre building in the Czech town of Polička, standing today as one of the region's overlooked gems of interwar architecture. Located on Vrchlického street, the building has been protected as a cultural monument since 2003.

Where does the building's story begin?

The roots of Tylův dům go back long before construction ever started. The Tyl Theatre Society (Divadelní spolek Tyl) was founded in Polička in 1834, and for decades its members staged performances in makeshift venues and rented halls around town. It wasn't until 1910 that the society's members set up a cooperative and a dedicated fund to finance a permanent theatre building of their own. A first architectural design followed in 1912, but the outbreak of the First World War halted any further progress for years.

How was the theatre actually built?

Plans only resumed in earnest in 1919, when land for the project was purchased and Prague architects Antonín Mendl and Václav Šantrůček were selected through a competition held in 1921. Construction work began on 2 April 1924, and the raw structure was already finished by 10 August of that same year. Despite this quick start, the building's full completion dragged on considerably — the grand opening did not take place until 18 August 1929.

What architectural style does the building represent?

Tylův dům blends several currents typical of interwar Czechoslovak architecture: elements of pre-war cubism, motifs of modern classicism, and a national style combined with purist plasticism. This mix of influences is what makes the building stand out as an underappreciated example of interwar design, valued as much for its aesthetics as for its function as a working theatre.

What happened to the building after the war?

Following the Second World War, the theatre fell into disrepair. Its fortunes turned in 1962, when the building came under the administration of the Adamov Machine Works and operated as a workers' cultural club (Jednotný klub pracujících). A major reconstruction followed in 1978. In January 1998 the building was briefly merged administratively with the Municipal Museum and Gallery in Polička, only to be separated again two years later. After modernisation works around the turn of the millennium, the building adopted its traditional name, Tylův dům, on 1 July 2005 — honouring the theatre society that had championed it since the 19th century.

What role does Tylův dům play today?

Today the building functions as a local cultural hub. It hosts theatrical performances, including productions by the amateur Tyl Theatre Society, alongside concerts and film screenings. It is also one of the main venues of the Martinů Fest Polička, a music festival dedicated to the work of composer Bohuslav Martinů, who was born in the town. The building additionally houses activity clubs for children and language courses, making it a space that combines cultural, educational and social functions for the local community.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Tylův dům located? The building stands in Polička, at Vrchlického 53, in the Pardubice Region of eastern Czechia.

When was Tylův dům built? Construction began in 1924, and the official grand opening took place on 18 August 1929.

Is the building a protected monument? Yes, Tylův dům has been protected as a cultural heritage monument since 2003.

What festival takes place at Tylův dům? The building hosts the Martinů Fest Polička, a festival dedicated to the music of Bohuslav Martinů.