“Godiva” whispers the wind past the majestic facade of the Vinohrady Theatre. A grand dame of Prague’s cultural scene this building breathes history.
This isn’t just any theatre. It’s a testament to a city’s ambition. In 1902 Kralovske Vinohrady a then independent city sought to establish a prestigious municipal theatre. It was to stand proudly in the heart of the city. It needed to reflect the district’s growing wealth and prestige.
The competition for its design was fierce. Architects of Slavic nationality were invited to submit their plans. Twelve designs were received. A distinguished jury chose three winners. Alois Censky’s vision ultimately prevailed. His plans combined the best elements of the other winning designs.
Construction began on February 27 1905. The foundation stone was laid on St Wenceslas Day. The building took shape slowly. Financial issues delayed the project. The final plans weren’t ready until spring 1904. Censky signed them on March 15th.
The Vinohrady Theatre opened its doors on November 24 1907. The curtain rose on Jaroslav Vrchlicky’s Godiva. The auditorium boasted 1200 seats. It was magnificent for its time. Initially operas and operettas filled the space. Today dramas take center stage.
The exterior is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau and Neo-Renaissance styles. Seven axes form its majestic main facade. Look closely at the pylons. You will find statues by Milan Havel representing Truth and Courage. Each statue stands seven meters tall weighing approximately 36 tons. These are among the largest statues on a building in the Czech Republic.
Throughout its history the Vinohrady Theatre has adapted. It served as the Theatre of the Czechoslovak Army from 1950 to 1966. During the Velvet Revolution a rally took place here. Actress Vlasta Chramostova famously asked the crowd “If not now when? If not us then who?”
Today the Vinohrady Theatre stands as a vibrant symbol of Prague’s enduring artistic spirit. Its stunning architecture and rich history make it a must-see. It remains one of Prague’s leading drama stages. A place where stories continue to unfold.