Prague State Opera

The world-renowned opera house presents a full programme of opera and ballet by Verdi, Tchaikovsky, Puccini, Rossini, Donizetti, Prokofiev and other well-known composers.

It is located a two‑minute walk from the top of Wenceslas Square and 15 minutes from Old Town Square.

The Prague State Opera has a long and varied history. It opened as the "New German Theatre" in the 19th century, at a time when the Czech lands formed part of the Austro-Hungarian empire.

Since then, it has changed name and ownership several times, each change reflecting the political climate of the day.

A significant turning point came at the end of World War II. The Czechs had regained control of their country. Opera, which had not been staged for several years, was reinstated. And as an expression of national identity, the building was renamed the "Smetana Theatre", after the famous Czech composer Bedřich Smetana.

However, the optimism was short‑lived. Within a few years, Czechoslovakia became a communist state, a regime in which opera was considered elitist. Over the next three decades, performances were rare and the building fell into neglect.

The theatre's renaissance came in 1992 with the fall of communism. The now familiar name "Prague State Opera" was adopted, and a regular programme of opera and ballet returned.

But the final chapter in the story is perhaps the grandest of all. Extensive renovations carried out between 2016 and 2020 have restored the famous landmark to its former glory and introduced state‑of‑the‑art technology fit for the modern age. The building is now more magnificent than ever.

The season at the Prague State Opera runs from late August to June.

For many visitors to Prague, a night at the opera is a highlight of their trip.

View listings and book Prague opera & ballet tickets.

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