Main building of the National Theatre in Prague, theatre building in Prague
This is an opera house and cultural monument in Prague's Nové Město district featuring Renaissance Revival architecture and rich artistic decoration throughout. Inside, elaborate paintings, sculptures, and colorful frescoes cover the walls and ceiling, while the entrance is adorned with statues of Greek gods and the nine Muses.
The cornerstone was laid in 1868 after Czech patriots called for a national opera house, and it opened in 1881 with Smetana's opera Libuše. A devastating fire destroyed much of the building in 1883, but the nation quickly raised funds to rebuild and reopen it within two years.
This theatre has been a stage for Czech artists, musicians, and actors to present national stories and works since its opening. Performances of opera, drama, and ballet continue to shape the country's cultural life, making this building a center of Czech artistic identity.
The theatre sits along the Vltava River in central Prague and is easily accessible; it has two levels open to visitors. You can buy tickets at the box office, join guided tours through the building, or attend performances that happen regularly throughout the year.
After the devastating fire of 1883, the new chandelier was made from melted-down medals and decorations from the original building. This blend of old and new materials symbolically connects the building's past to its rebirth after the disaster.
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