Estates Theatre, Opera house in Old Town, Prague, Czech Republic
The Estates Theatre is a Neoclassical opera house and theatre building in central Old Town, hosting opera, ballet, and drama throughout the year. The auditorium rises through several tiers with gilded decoration and red velvet seating, while the stage sits behind a traditional curtain.
Architect Anton Haffenecker completed the building in 1783 for Bohemian nobleman Franz Anton von Nostitz-Rieneck, who wanted a theatre for refined society. After several changes of ownership, the house passed into city hands in the late nineteenth century.
The name Estates refers to the historical Bohemian assembly that took over the building in the nineteenth century, shaping its public role. Visitors today can see the original chandelier and hand-painted box fronts that fill the auditorium with warm light.
The house offers guided tours in several languages that let visitors explore the auditorium and side rooms. Most performances take place in the evening, so a daytime tour works well for seeing the interiors.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart conducted the premiere of his opera Don Giovanni here in October 1787, bringing the house worldwide recognition. Since 2000, a statue of the Commendatore from that opera stands at the entrance, created by Anna Chromy.
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