Theaters Image Tour

• National Theatre
  The National Theater (by Josef Zitek, built 1868-1883) is the pride of Prague. After it was substantially damaged by fire, it could be restored (by the architect Josef Schulz) already two years later, by gifts of the Czech people. The imposing structure marks the beginning of Narodni Street and the Legii Bridge. A large scale model of the theater as designed by Zitek can be seen in the St. Agnes Convent as part of the permanent exhibition.
• State Opera
  The layout of this opera house is in the shape of a horse-shoe.
• Rudolfinum
  Designed by Josef Zitek and Josef Schulz and built 1874-1885, the Rudolfinum building holds the large Dvorak Hall and the smaller Sukova Hall for music performances. The layout around the beautiful Dvorak Hall is pretty conventional (although the Dvorak Hall is rectangular rather than horseshoe-shaped), but the Sukova Hall (as well as the exhibition spaces) is reached via a magnificent central space vaulted by a huge sky-light structure. The ticket-booth for concerts is located under the main stairs facing Stare Mesto.
• Stavovske Divadlo
  This theater mainly features plays, although one of its feats is the premiere of Mozart's 'Don Giovanni.' The building was erected in 1783 (architect Anton Haffenecker). Left to the theater is the main building (Carolinum) of the Charles University (founded 1348). On the square behind the Stavovske Divadlo, to the right, construction of a mindless and utterly boring office building complex is taking place.
• Obecni dum
  This wildly exuberant building has recently been restored in a three-year reconstruction period. It is an festive display of ornament and invention.