National Theatre’s New Stage to undergo first major renovation in four decades
The New Stage of the National Theatre, listed as a cultural monument since 2021, is set to undergo a two-year renovation, its first major overhaul in more than four decades. The project, estimated at around CZK 2.3 billion, will modernize the building’s technologies, improve acoustics , and introduce a flexible auditorium for up to 500 spectators, all while preserving its exterior appearance.
Recognized as one of the most prominent examples of brutalist architecture in the Czech Republic, the New Stage is known not only for its unique design resembling a glass cube, but also as one of Prague's most controversial buildings. Designed by architect Karel Prager as a modern counterpart to the traditional Neo-Renaissance building next to it, it aroused a lot of negative emotions when it opened in 1983.
The new complex provided a permanent experimental space for the National Theatre as well as room for administrative offices, storage space, technical services, and facilities like a restaurant, café, and club.
It was geared mainly towards Laterna Magika, and for 18 years its identity was closely linked to the world’s first multimedia theatre. However is terms of acoustics, technology and operational demands the building is now outdated and in need of a complex overhaul.
According to the National Theatre management, the reconstruction will not alter the building’s outward appearance and will retain architecturally valuable interior elements. Particular care will be given to the spiral staircase, and the monumental light installation by Pavel Hlava and Jaroslav Štursa and the building’s glass-cube façade, composed of 4,000 glass panels which Karel Prager designed in collaboration with leading Czech glass artist Stanislav Libenský.
However within – the aim is to create a genuinely multifunctional space equipped with the latest technologies. National Theatre Director Jan Burian explains.
“We are effectively building a new theatre on Národní Street. There will be a completely new multifunctional hall with a capacity of 500 seats, a rehearsal hall that can also serve as a small chamber theatre, an educational centre for children and young people, and attractive social and restaurant facilities. Building B, known as Themos, will open onto the Václav Havel Piazzetta and enable year-round outdoor performances, supported by the necessary technical facilities so the exterior space can be fully used. We’re very much looking forward to it, because the hall will finally be acoustically and technically equipped for spoken drama, acoustic instruments and natural singing.”
The modernization is expected to deliver energy savings, reduce operating costs and lessen the building’s environmental impact.
Reconstruction work is expected to begin before the end of the current theatre season and the New Stage has already been closed in preparation for the works. Productions have been relocated: some are now staged at the Estates Theatre, others at La Fabrika, while certain shows have been temporarily suspended and will return once the venue reopens. Audiences have been informed via the theatre’s website, and performances transferred from the New Stage are reportedly selling out at their temporary venues.
