Page 158 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Prague

156  PR A GUE AREA B Y AREA

f National Theatre
Národní Divadlo

This gold-crested theatre has always been an
important symbol of the Czech cultural
revival. Work started in 1868, funded largely
by voluntary contributions. The original Neo-
Renaissance design was by the Czech
architect Josef Zítek. After its destruction
by fire, Josef Schulz was given the job of
rebuilding the theatre, and all the best
Czech artists of the period contributed The theatre from Marksmen’s (Střelecký) Island
towards its spectacular decoration. During
the late 1970s and early 1980s, the theatre
was restored and the New Stage was
built by architect Karel Prager.
Further renovations have
been made since.

. Auditorium
The elaborately
painted ceiling
is adorned with
allegorical figures
representing the arts
by František Ženíšek.

KEY
1 The five arcades of the loggia
are decorated with lunette paintings
by Josef Tulka, entitled Five Songs.
2 The New Stage auditorium
3 Laterna Magika
4 A bronze three-horse chariot,
designed by Bohuslav Schnirch,
carries the Goddess of Victory.
5 The startling sky-blue roof
covered with stars is said to
symbolize the summit all artists . Lobby Ceiling
should aim for. This ceiling fresco is the final part of a triptych painted by František
Ženíšek in 1878 depicting the Golden Age of Czech Art.

156-157_EW_Prague.indd 156 20/03/17 11:29 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.9)
Date 28th August 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm