Symbol of Czech national identity and cultural heritage is one of the most famous theatres in the Czech Republic. The building of National Theatre is an architectural gem and a monumental opulence in the neo-renaissance style designed by the architect Josef Zítek in 1865.
The site opposite Prague Castle right next to the Vltava River was selected as an ideal location for the building of National Theatre. The land was purchased in 1853 and the building of Provisional Theatre began. The foundation stone was laid in the Provisional Theatre in 1868; the stone was ceremonially transported from Říp Mountain. By the end of 1868 the foundations were completed and in 1877 the roof was built.
Several major artists and painters contributed to the decoration of the Theatre among who were for instance Josef Václav Myslbek, Mikoláš Aleš, Václav Brožík, Julius Mařák and others.
The theatre was first opened in honor of the visit of Crown Prince Rudolf with the premiere of Smetana’s Libuše in 1881. Another 11 performances took place in the theater after which the building was closed due to finishing procedures halfway through which, in August 1881, there was fire that completely damaged part of the theatre.
The fire was seen as a national disaster that struck everyone. For that reason, one million forints were collected in less than 50 days for the reconstruction of the theatre. The re-opening of the theatre took place in 1883 again with Smetana’a Libuše.