National Theatre

Prague


The recently renovated National Theatre is the neo-Renaissance architectural flagship of the Czech National Revival, and one of Prague’s most impressive buildings. Funded entirely by private donations from across the land and decorated inside and out by a roll call of prominent Czech artists, architect Josef Zítek’s masterpiece burned down within weeks of its 1881 opening but, incredibly, was funded again and restored in less than two years.

Guided tours in English must be arranged in advance.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Prague attractions

1. Viola Building

0.07 MILES

The art nouveau facade of this former home of the Prague Insurance Co was designed by Osvald Polívka, with the huge letters ‘PRAHA’ entwined around five…

2. Goethe Institute

0.11 MILES

The Goethe Institute, an elegant art nouveau building, was formerly the East German embassy. Nearby, at No 26, is a beautiful art nouveau apartment…

3. Convent of St Ursula

0.11 MILES

The lemon-yellow walls of the Convent of St Ursula frame a pink church, which has a lush baroque interior that includes a battalion of Apostle statues…

4. Slav Island

0.16 MILES

This island is a sleepy, dog-eared sandbank with pleasant gardens, river views and several jetties where you can hire rowing boats. In the middle stands…

5. Národní Třída

0.17 MILES

Národní třída is central Prague’s ‘high street’, a stately row of midrange shops and grand public buildings, notably the National Theatre at the Vltava…

6. Václav Havel Library

0.17 MILES

This small exhibition and library, supported by the foundation that protects the legacy of the late playwright-president, houses a permanent exhibition on…

7. Velvet Revolution Monument

0.21 MILES

This simple monument (eight hands giving the 'V' for victory sign and the date 17.11.1989) commemorates the Velvet Revolution, which began on Národní…

8. Náprstek Museum

0.24 MILES

Part of the National Museum, the small Náprstek Museum houses an ethnographical collection of Asian, African and American cultures, founded by Vojta…