Enjoy a performance at the home of the renowned Prague State Opera, one of Prague's most important cultural institutions. It's one of the most important music venues in Europe and also one of the stages of The National Theatre. Many world-renowned artists have worked at this grand opera house with an illustrious history, glorious neoclassical architecture, and lavish interiors.
German origins
The opera house first opened as a German theater in Prague in 1888 with Wagner's opera Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. The first director of the new theater was Angelo Neumann, who acquired well-known performers and soon brought it to a high artistic level of international significance. Major figures who worked here include directors Franz Schalk and Leo Blech, and singers such as Nigrini and Wallnhofer. After Neumann's death in 1910, Alexander Zemlinsky became the director of the opera between 1911 and 1927. A great director and composer, Zemlinsky enriched Prague's cultural life with his unrivalled interpretations of Mozart's works and his own. The theater featured a remarkably wide repertoire and exceptional singers at its disposal. The final performance in the theater took place on 25.9.1938, when it was sold to the Czechoslovakian state. After liberation, the building was handed over to the May 5th Theatre, which later became part of the National Theatre.
Sterling reputation
Since its inception in 1992, the Prague State Opera has celebrated the tradition of the new German Theater. It does this both through its historical location and their documentation center, which is attempting to archive the activities of the old German Theater, much of which has been lost. With its spacious auditorium and neo-Rococo interiors, the theater is regarded as one of the most beautiful theater buildings in Europe. The State Opera is part of the National Theatre and is a popular venue for opera and ballet performances. Head to this historical location to see famous operas or lesser-known pieces, which have been introduced by The State Opera. The wide repertoire has helped the theater gain a reputation as one of the best in Europe. It specializes in opera, but it does show spectacular ballet performances too.
Currently closed for refurbishment
The Prague State Opera House encourages people to dress smartly. For "first night" performances, this may mean black-tie, or at least a jacket and tie. Other dates usually require only a jacket for men. Due to general refurbishments, the State Opera is closed for the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 season. Still want to see opera and ballet in Prague during this time? Part of the opera and ballet repertoire will be performed at the Karlín Musical Theatre and at the National Theatre.
