National Theatre bids farewell to New Stage ahead of two-year reconstruction

The National Theatre in Prague is saying farewell to its New Stage on Wednesday ahead of a major renovation. A full-day programme featuring theatre ensembles and guest artists is taking place on the Václav Havel piazzetta, inside the New Stage, and in the adjacent Building B, also set to be renovated.

The two-year reconstruction, starting this autumn, is expected to cost CZK 2.3 billion. Built in the early 1980s, the New Stage and Building B are notable examples of late communist-era architecture, designed by Karel Prager with glasswork by Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová. The iconic glass façade led to the building being declared a cultural monument in 2021.

The renovation will preserve heritage elements while adding a flexible 500-seat hall, a small theatre, rehearsal rooms, and a café. During the closure, the Laterna Magika ensemble will perform at other venues across Prague, mainly at La Fabrika in Holešovice.