The Prague National Theatre stands on Masaryk Embankment at the head of Legion Bridge. It is undoubtedly among the most famous theatres in the Czech Republic. The Neo-Renaissance theatre building by Josef Zítek is one of the most important buildings in the country. The theatre is now a contributory organisation of the Czech Republic; its formal founder is the Ministry of Culture.
The National Theatre building was preceded by the Provisional Theatre, which later became part of it. On 16 May 1868 the foundation stone was laid amid great celebrations, and in June 1881 the National Theatre was ceremonially opened with the premiere of Smetana's Libuše. Sadly, in August the building was engulfed in fire and seriously damaged. This national tragedy, however, sparked a fresh wave of determination, and in 47 days a million guldens was collected for its restoration. The building was completed by Josef Schulz. In 1983 a new building was opened, the so-called New Stage.
The decoration of the historic building was the work of many leading artists of the time. The first-floor foyer features paintings by Mikoláš Aleš and František Ženíšek. The second curtain was painted by Vojtěch Hynais and celebrates the dedication of the Czech nation in building the National Theatre. The first curtain is iron and the third is red, velvet, and is drawn by hand. Above the curtains you can see the inscription "Národ sobě" ("From the Nation to Itself"). The theatre also has an organ.
You can sail to the National Theatre aboard our boats and steamboats. The theatre building is also a great backdrop for your wedding photos.
