National Theatre (Prague)

The National Theatre is a historic opera house on the banks of the Vltava River in Prague, facing Prague Castle. It is a national monument of Czech history and art, and the alma mater of Czech opera. Today it hosts performances by three artistic ensembles: opera, ballet, and drama.

Don't miss

• The theatre's location on the banks of the Vltava River with views of Prague Castle
• Exterior allegorical sculptures by Bohuslav Schnirch and Antonín Pavel Wagner
• A triga (three-horse chariot) on the building's exterior
• Interior artwork by Mikoláš Aleš and František Ženíšek
• The annex of modern design containing offices and the main box office

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit National Theatre (Prague)

Cheapest way inClassic Prague Castle Tour, Strahov Monastery & Castle District4.9★ · 222 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$3 per personSee dates →Most bookedPrague Ghost and Legend of Old Town Walking Tour4.7★ · 2,918 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$21 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblePrague Two-Hour Private Orientation Tour of Prague4.8★ · 11 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$98 per personSee dates →

Getting there

Know before you go

• The National Theatre company operates three venues: the historic National Theatre building, the State Opera, the Estates Theatre, and the Kolowrat Theatre.
• Decent clothing (such as a black suit) is customary when attending performances, but not enforced.
• Tickets can be bought on the company website; the best seats tend to sell out, so it is better to shop in advance.

A bit of history

The idea for a Czech national theatre dates to 1844. The foundation stone was laid on 16 May 1868. The theatre first opened on 11 June 1881 with the world premiere of Smetana's opera Libuše, but a fire destroyed the copper dome, auditorium, and stage on 12 August 1881. A public collection raised a million florins in 47 days for reconstruction. The building reopened on 18 November 1883 with electric illumination and a steel-constructed stage. It underwent a major reconstruction from 1977 to 1983, reopening on the 100th anniversary of its first opening.