The Czech Republic - Eastern Europe - page 250

LANDMARK THEATERS & CONCERT HALLS
The Czech Philharmonic at Rudolfinum Named for Prince Rudolf, the
beautifully restored Rudolfinum has been one of the city's premier concert venues since
it opened in the 19th century. The Rudolfinum's Small Hall mostly presents chamber
concerts, while the larger, more celebrated Dvo r ák Hall is home to the Czech Philhar-
monic. Alsovo nábrezí 12, Praha 1. & 227-059-352. www.rudolfinum.cz. Metro: Staromêstská.
Estates' Theater (Stavovské divadlo) In a city full of spectacularly beauti-
ful theaters, the massive pale-green Estates' still ranks as one of the most awesome.
Built in 1783, this is the only theater in the world that's still in its original condition.
The Estates' was home to the premiere of Mozart's Don Giovanni, which was con-
ducted by the composer himself. Simultaneous English translation, transmitted via
headphone, is available for plays staged here. Ovocn; trh 1, Praha 1. & 224-902-322. www.
nd.cz or www.mozart-praha.cz. Metro: Line A or B to M*stek.
National Theater (Národní divadlo) This neo-Renaissance building over-
looking the Vltava River was completed in 1881. The theater was built to nurture the
Czech National Revival—a grass-roots movement to replace the dominant German
culture with that of native Czechs. To finance it, small collection boxes with signs pro-
moting “the prosperity of a dignified national theater” were installed in public places.
Almost immediately upon its completion, the building was wrecked by fire; it was
rebuilt and opened in 1883 with the premiere of Bed r ich Smetana's opera Libu s e .
Národní 2, Praha 1. & 224-901-448. www.nd.cz. Metro: Národní trída.
Prague Symphony Orchestra-Smetana Hall (Smetanova sín) Named for
the popular composer and fervent Czech nationalist Bed r ich Smetana (1824-84),
Smetana Hall is located in one of the world's most distinctive Art Nouveau buildings.
Since its 1997 reopening after the building's painstaking reconstruction, the ornate
and purely exhilarating Smetana Hall has hosted a series of top-notch events. In the
Municipal House (Obecní d*m), námêstí Republiky 5, Praha 1. & 222-002-336. www.fok.cz. Metro:
Námêstí Republiky.
State Opera House (Státní opera) First the “New German Theater” and then
the “Smetana Theater,” the State Opera was built in the 1880s for the purpose of stag-
ing Germanic music and drama. Based on a Viennese design, the Renaissance-style
theater was rebuilt after suffering serious damage during the bombing of Prague in
1945. Over the years, the auditorium has hosted many great names, including Richard
Wagner, Richard Strauss, and Gustav Mahler. Wilsonova 4, Praha 2. & 296-117-111. www.
opera.cz. Metro: Muzeum.
THE CLUB & MUSIC SCENE
Where else in the world but Prague can you boogie in a crumbling underground for-
mer cinema like the Roxy, then stop off for the herbal wonder liqueur Becherovka in
a Romanesque stone cellar? A good source on the latest club spaces, raves, and parties
is “Think” (www.think.cz), a free monthly usually found at Radost (see below). Also
try the Czech Techno site (www.techno.cz/party). Things don't really get started until
after 11pm.
Rock & Dance Clubs
Duplex Club & Café Located right in the heart of Wenceslas Square, this is
one of Prague's more exclusive clubs. From the roof terrace, visitors enjoy a magnifi-
cent view of the city's very center. Prague's best DJs perform inside the club itself,

Moments