Estates Theatre
Old Town, Prague 1

The Estates Theatre in Prague opened in 1783. It is Prague's oldest theatre and finest neo-classical building. Indeed, it is one of the most beautiful historical theatres in the whole of Europe.

The unique charm of the Estates Theatre cannot be properly relayed by pictures or words. Once inside, one almost feels the spiritual presence of the supremely talented musicians, directors, artists and playwrights who have passed through its doors.

The Estates Theatre will be forever linked with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the musical genius whose life and works had such an impact on the city of Prague.

Mozart stayed and worked in Prague on a couple of occasions, crafting operas which would later appear at the Estates Theatre.

Although the world premiere of the Marriage of Figaro was in Vienna in 1786, it was in Prague at the Estates Theatre that it triumphed. It was such a success with Bohemian audiences that Mozart was subsequently commissioned to work on Don Giovanni in the city.

In 1787, Mozart personally conducted the world premiere of Don Giovanni at the Estates Theatre.

Unsurprisingly, the Estates Theatre's foremost operatic production today is Don Giovanni, which plays daily from mid July to mid August, and occasionally at other times of the year.

From September to June, a series of operas by Mozart and other well-known composers are staged.

The Estates Theatre sometimes also puts on Mozartissimo, which is a compilation of Mozart's famous opera arias.

The Estates Theatre is located in between the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, a mere two minutes walk from either.

For listings and to book tickets for the Estates Theatre: Prague opera, ballet & concerts.