Theaters and Classical Music Venues

Located on the banks of the Vltava River, with a lovely view of Prague Castle, sits the stately neo Renaissance Rudolfinum Concert Hall, home to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.

Second only to the National Theater, the Rudolfinum is one of the most prized and important neo Renaissance structures in Prague. Named in honor of the Crown Prince Rudolf, the patron of the building project who presided over its February 7th, 1885 opening, this important structure stands alone on the Jan Palach Square giving it a spacious approach, reminiscent of the wider spaces of Viennese streets. On January 4, 1896, Antonin Dvorak personally conducted the first musical concert of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in what is now known as Dvorak Hall. This is one of the four concert halls in the Rudolfinum, and the Dvorak Hall is second in size only to the Smetana Hall in the Municipal House, and is especially known for its perfect acoustics, high seating capacity, and one of the best pipe organs in central Europe with its columned facade topped by a golden harp. In 1908, the world premier of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 7 was performed by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and directed by none other that Gustav Mahler himself. The other halls and galleries, the Ceremony Hall, Small Gallery, Suk Hall, and Column Hall are used for concerts, ranging from orchestral performances to quartets and solo performances, as well as for functions such as balls, conventions and conferences, and other meetings. Individual galleries and halls can be rented out for private functions and the sound and recording equipment can also be rented for video or audio recordings. The famous Prague Spring music festival is held here every May- June drawing interested music lovers from all over the world to witness the greatness of the Czech contribution to classical music. The Rudolfinum also houses the Galerie Rudolfinum, an art gallery mainly devoted to contemporary art, which offers rotating exhibitions. A parking garage under the building, Staromestska metro stop located just across the street, and tram lines running past make this venue perfect for attending public or private events, and concert ticket prices are comparatively low making for an unforgettable experience at an attractive price.