Libuše

Bedřich Smetana´s Libuše is not only a supreme opera; it also represents the symbol of the Czech national culture

Czech original version, English and German surtitles

Although Bedřich Smetana completed the opera in 1872, the work was only staged nine years later, to mark the first opening of the National Theatre. The opera is primarily intended for celebratory occasions and even nowadays the National Theatre only performs it on special occasions and state holidays.

In opera Libuše, Smetana masterfully treated the legend of the mythical Czech Princess and the feud between two brothers resulting in conciliation and the picture of a prophecy of the joyful future of the Czech nation.

Performed by:

Soloists of the National Theatre Opera
National Theatre Orchestra
National Theatre Chorus

Important:

• Two 20 min. intermissions
• Purchased tickets cannot be returned or exchanged.
• No discounts are provided. 
• Theatre is a cultural institution. Please respect the common principles of appropriate behaviour and clothing.
• The program may be subject to change.
• The price includes service fee of 3,7 € (100,- CZK)

Check other opera and ballet in Prague.

The National Theatre in Prague

The National Theatre is the most important and representative theatre of the Czech Republic

The Prague National Theatre was built from the desire of the Czech people for national independence. Its building was financed from the collections on which participated broad masses of people as well as important donators (including the nobility and the emperor himself). The theatre foundation ceremonial on 16th May 1868 became a national celebration.

The theatre was opened in 1881. In the same year the theatre burned down, and this tragic event caused a huge wave of new collections to support the restoration of the theatre. The Prague National Theatre was re-opened in 1883 by the opera Libuše by Bedřich Smetana and since then it has been serving as a place of Czech national identity and as a flagship of the Czech culture to these days.

How to get there: 

• Accessibility by Prague public transport:
  metro B (yellow line) - Národni třída station
  tram - Národní divadlo stop
• Nearest car parking:
  The underground car park of the National Theatre