It is generally known that in this musical genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart himself worked in this classicist building from the late 18th century. The composer personally conducted his operas here. The venue is currently under the National Theatre, with both a drama and opera ensemble performing here, and its repertoire proudly upholds Mozart's legacy.
This theater dominates the Fruit Market (Ovocný trh) and is adjacent to the historic Karolinum. The theater owes its creation to the great patron and patriot Count Franz Anton von Nostitz-Rieneck. Originally, it was even called the Count’s Nostitz Theatre. The architect of the classicist building, which has been preserved almost in its original state, was Anton Haffenecker. The interior decoration is also classicist and mainly references Greek mythology. This is mainly due to the fact that it originally served as a German-speaking venue. In contrast, the National Theatre, which opened a century later, was purely Czech and is decorated with scenes from Slavic mythology.
The Nostitz Theatre opened in 1783, and just four years later, W. A. Mozart personally conducted his opera The Marriage of Figaro here. Figaro was a huge success, which flattered Mozart, and he then composed Don Giovanni for the Czech capital. The premiere took place here in 1787. The theater continues to honor Mozart's legacy to this day. The Oscar-winning film Amadeus, directed by Miloš Forman, contributed to this, as part of it was filmed in the spaces of the Estates Theatre.
Initially, performances at the theater were in both German and Czech. However, from 1862 until the establishment of Czechoslovakia, only a German-speaking ensemble performed here. During the communist regime, the theater was named after the author of the Czech national anthem, Josef Kajetán Tyl, but after 1989, it returned to the name Estates Theatre.
You can learn more about the Estates Theatre by arranging a private tour of the Old Town or the Old Town and Lesser Town in your language with our guides.
If you would like to attend a performance at the Estates Theatre, don’t hesitate to contact us, and we will be happy to arrange tickets for you.
