Czech Historical Theaters

Go back in time and experience how the theater functioned in times long past!
Historical – mostly castle – theaters in the Czech Republic are part of the so-called Imperial Route connecting the historical theaters of the Czech Republic and Austria accessible to the public. They represent the most valuable items preserved in the area of historical theater architecture. The Imperial Route of historical theaters is the fifth of eleven international routes, which in 2016 will become part of the European Route of historical theaters.
Český Krumlov
One of the oldest and best preserved theaters in Europe can be found in Český Krumlov. The magnificent castle complex was created in the 13th century. During the reign of the Eggenberg family in the 17th century a castle theater was also built, where he a professional acting troupe operated. The present appearance of the theater was acquired during the renovation in the 1860s. Theater performances were held for the needs of the princely Schwarzenberg family and their guests. The entire high Baroque Theater has been preserved in its original state, including the stage equipment, lighting, sets, props and costumes. You can visit it under special guided tours to Český Krumlov Castle.
Kačina
Kačina Chateau, one of the most beautiful Classicist buildings in the Czech Republic, was built for the family of Count Chotek in the early 19th century. The theater is located in a side hall along with the never completed chapel. The theater also remained unfinished for a long time due to a lack of funds. It wasn’t completed until after 1850. For the following 20 years it bore witness to amateur performances of the entire count’s family. The author of some of the plays was Count Rudolf Karel Chotek himself. The decorated auditorium, part of the original stage mechanics and the decorations are preserved until today. The theater can be reached during a tour of the castle interiors.
Mnichovo Hradiště
The Chateau Theater in Mnichovo Hradiště probably originated in the late 18th century. It acquired its present form in 1833 during a reconstruction, when the castle hosted a meeting of the Austrian Emperor, the Emperor of Russia and the Prussian Crown Prince. Another component of the program also included three nights with theater performances from the Prague Estates Theater troupe. The theater was later modified for the private entertainment of the count's family. Part of the original lighting and the complete set of decorations and costumes have been preserved, including simple stage equipment.
Litomyšl
The theater at Litomyšl Chateau, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, was founded in 1797 as the final stage of the reconstruction of the castle. A rich theater program took place in it until the mid-19th century. Members of the count's family performed two comedies here for the pleasure of the inhabitants of the city. The theater is preserved until today, including the stage machinery and complete stage lighting. The set of stage scenery by the imperial theater painter Josef Platzer is also valuable.
Prague – Estates Theater

The most prominent monument of more than two hundred years of Prague’s theater life is the oldest independent theater building in the city – the current Estates Theater. The theater has been in continuous operation since 1789! Shortly after the opening, the premieres of two operas by Mozart, who wrote directly for this theater, took place here – Don Giovanni (1787) and La Clemenza di Tito (1791). It took its current form from its renovation during the 19th century. Since 1920, the theater has been the second stage of the National Theater.