Velké divadlo, Opera house in Pilsen, Czech Republic

Velké divadlo is the main stage of the Josef Kajetán Tyl Theatre in Pilsen, a Neo-Renaissance building by architect Antonín Balšánek erected in 1899–1902. Its façade faces the Klatovská–Husova junction at a 45-degree angle, with a terrace on Tuscan columns, a tympanum crowned by a stone lyre and Apollo's head, and Ladislav Šaloun's sculptural group Drama and Opera above the side projections. The U-shaped auditorium has a ground floor and two balconies.

The first Czech-language performance in Pilsen is documented in 1818; a theatre in Riegrova Street, designed by Lorenzo Sacchetti and funded by local brewers, opened at the end of 1832. Growing population and national feeling led to an architectural competition in 1896; Antonín Balšánek's neo-Renaissance design was built from January 1899 and opened on 27 September 1902 with Smetana's Libuše.

The theater stages works by Czech composers and keeps local musical traditions alive through regular performances. Visitors experience a living connection between the past and present through the classical compositions heard here.

Visitors can use the ticket system online to find information about available seating and make reservations for performances. It is wise to book early as popular shows sell out quickly.

The facade's medallions hold portraits of Czech theatre figures such as Vilém Blodek, František Škroup and Václav Kliment Klicpera, carved by Vilém Amort and František Rous. Above the triangular pediment stands a stone lyre, and Ladislav Šaloun's sculptural group Drama and Opera rises over the two side projections.