Built by the nation
The motto above the stage reads "Národ sobě", "the nation to itself". The theatre was paid for by collections across the Czech lands, at a time when Czech culture had to compete with German in Austrian-ruled Prague.
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National Theatre: the history, and the theatre built twice
Czechs paid for it with public collections, watched it burn weeks after it opened in 1881, and paid for it again. It reopened two years later. Here's what you're looking at, and what to listen for when you get there.
First opened1881
Fire12 Aug 1881
Reopened1883
ArchitectJosef Zítek
Hear the National Theatre story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
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The fire
On 12 August 1881, weeks after a first opening, a fire started by workers on the roof destroyed the dome, the stage and the auditorium. A new collection raised the money to rebuild it in under two years.
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Stones from the whole country
Its foundation stones were brought from historic places across Bohemia and Moravia, including the mythical mountain Říp, each carrying a piece of national memory.
TipCross to the Slavonic Island or the riverbank opposite at sunset to see the blue roof with its golden stars lit up. With Urban Tales running, the theatre's story plays as you reach the embankment.
Nearby landmarks
National Theatre: common questions
Why was the National Theatre built twice?
A fire destroyed it in August 1881, weeks after it opened; it was rebuilt with public donations and reopened in 1883.
Who designed the National Theatre in Prague?
Josef Zítek; Josef Schulz led the rebuilding after the fire.
What does Národ sobě mean?
"The nation to itself", the motto above the stage, honoring the people who paid for the theatre.