The National Theatre Prague (Národní divadlo) on the right bank of the Vltava is a symbol of the Czech nation and the cultural centre of Prague. The magnificent Neo-Renaissance building was opened in 1881 but burned down after a few weeks. The reconstruction was financed entirely through donations from the Czech population — as a symbol of national identity against Habsburg dominance. Above the entrance is the famous inscription: Národ sobě (The Nation to Itself). The hall with around 1,000 seats, richly decorated with works by Czech artists, was reopened in 1883. The house produces opera, drama, and ballet — it is closely connected with the works of Smetana and Dvořák, whose operas had their premieres here.
During the rebuilding even the poorest Czechs donated — children brought their pocket money, and whole villages sent collected coins for "their" theatre.
At a glance
- Type
- Multi-genre theatre
- Location
- Prague, Czech Republic
More venues in Prague
- Rudolfinum · Concert hall, Prague
- Smetana Hall · Concert hall, Prague
- Prague State Opera · Opera house, Prague
- Estates Theatre · Multi-genre theatre, Prague