Divadlo na Vinohradech is a Prague drama theatre and a contributory organisation of Prague City Hall. It is housed in an Art Nouveau building on Náměstí Míru, built between 1905 and 1907 to a design by the architect Alois Čenský.[1][2] The theatre opened there on 24 November 1907 with Jaroslav Vrchlický's play Godiva. It is described as the largest purely drama stage in Czechia.[1][2]
Reconstruction of the historic building
The building is undergoing a complete reconstruction organised by Prague City Hall. The reason is the poor technical condition of the building and its interiors; for example, the stage from 1926, designed by František Křižík, has never been renovated.[1][2] The cost of the entire repair is CZK 1.66 billion excluding VAT.[1][2] The construction work is to be carried out by the consortium GG AVERS Divadlo, formed by the companies Geosan Group and Avers. The contract covers repairs to the building including the facade and interiors, replacement of the electrical wiring and renovation of the sanitary facilities. The project also includes a stage for 150 to 200 spectators with new facilities underground beneath the open space in Římská Street.[1][2]
Move to Radiopalác
The company gave its last performance on Náměstí Míru on 19 June 2026, after which individual departments began moving gradually to Radiopalác.[1][2] According to the theatre's spokeswoman Zuzana Paulusová, the space there is being converted from a cinema that had been unused for 20 years.[1][2]
The first performance in Radiopalác was announced for 24 October 2026. The start of operations was postponed indefinitely because the final approval of the basement hall, which is tied to strict fire-safety regulations, has not yet been completed. According to Paulusová, the relevant authorities are to give their opinion within 30 days, and the date of the first performance cannot be estimated.[1][2] The actors are to rehearse productions from the historic building again, the first being Balada pro banditu. The theatre had originally announced The Mousetrap (Past na myši) as the opening production, which may change according to Paulusová.[1][2]
Chronology
- — The start of operations of Divadlo na Vinohradech in Radiopalác, originally announced for 24 October 2026, was postponed indefinitely because the final approval of the basement hall has not yet been completed, and according to the theatre's spokeswoman Zuzana Paulusová it cannot be estimated when the theatre will begin performing in the new premises. Pražský patriot Pražský deník