Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Janáček Brno festival in the very places where the composer lived and created his masterpieces. As a double winner of the International Opera Awards, this jubilee edition presents Janáček’s complete operatic legacy performed by world-class stars and orchestras.
Our festival offers a rich and diverse programme, ranging from grand opera productions and large-scale orchestral concerts to intimate chamber music performances and solo recitals. While the core of our dramaturgy is dedicated to the brilliant works of Leoš Janáček, we also explore the music of his contemporaries, those who inspired him, and the generations of composers he influenced.
The festival creates a unique meeting point for world-renowned, established artists and the brightest emerging talents, including special student projects and experimental performances. Concerts take place in traditional venues as well as in unconventional, atmospheric locations across the entire city of Brno, ensuring a vibrant and multi-layered musical experience.
By plane: Brno has its own international airport, Brno-Tuřany (BRN), located just 15 minutes from the city center. For a wider range of international flights, the Vienna International Airport (VIE) is the most convenient hub, with direct bus or train connections to Brno taking approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Prague Airport (PRG) is also an option, with a travel time of around 3 hours.
By train & bus: Brno is a major railway hub. The main train station (Brno hlavní nádraží) is located right in the heart of the city, within walking distance of many festival venues. There are frequent direct international connections from Vienna, Prague, Budapest, and Berlin. The main bus terminal (Brno-Zvonařka) and the bus station near the Grand Hotel are also centrally located.
By car: Brno is easily accessible via the D1 motorway (from Prague or Ostrava) and the D2 motorway (from Bratislava/Budapest). From Vienna, take the A5 and E461.
Local Transport: From the Brno airport or train station, you can easily reach the city center using the efficient public transport system (trams and buses) or local taxi services.
The festival takes place in an extraordinary array of venues, many of which are intimately linked to Leoš Janáček’s life and work. Performances are held in grand historic landmarks such as the Mahen Theatre, the site of many of Janáček's world premieres, and the Janáček Theatre, one of the largest and most technically advanced opera houses in Europe. For a more intimate experience, the festival opens the doors to the Janáček Memorial, the very house where the composer lived and created his masterpieces.
Beyond traditional stages, the festival utilizes impressive city landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed Villa Tugendhat and other famous Brno villas, as well as the Augustinian Abbey in Old Brno, where Janáček spent his formative years as a choirboy.
For truly unique atmospheres, we also feature "site-specific" locations like the breathtaking underground historical reservoirs on Žlutý kopec. All venues are primarily indoors and conveniently located within the city. Most are within walking distance of each other in the city center, or easily accessible by Brno’s efficient tram network.
The appropriate attire largely depends on the specific venue and type of performance. For gala openings and opera performances at the Janáček or Mahen Theatre, attendees often prefer more formal or "smart casual" attire. However, for chamber concerts in villas or unconventional sites, the dress code is generally more relaxed.
As the festival takes place in October and November, the weather in Brno is typically autumnal and can be quite cool, with temperatures often ranging between 5°C and 15°C. We recommend dressing in layers and bringing a warm coat for transitions between venues. While all performances are indoors, it’s wise to have an umbrella handy for the walk through the city, as autumn showers are common.
Brno is a true paradise for food lovers, renowned for its vibrant culinary scene and world-class café culture. While our main venues offer light refreshments during intermissions, the festival experience extends into the city’s many exceptional restaurants and bistros.
As the gateway to the South Moravia wine region, Brno offers a superb selection of local wines that are a must-try. The festival also officially partners with a variety of local establishments that offer special "Janáček Menus" during the event. These curated dishes are often inspired by the original recipes of Janáček’s long-time housekeeper, Marie Stejskalová, whose cookbook has been preserved to this day.
Brno offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every preference, from luxury boutique hotels and modern apartments to cozy pensions. The festival officially partners with several leading hotels in the city center, offering special discounted rates for festival attendees during the event. While there is a large selection of rooms available, we recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred choice and take advantage of these exclusive festival offers.
Most attendees typically stay in hotels or stylish city apartment rentals, all within easy reach of the main festival venues. Detailed information about partner hotels and booking codes can be found on the festival's website.
As the Czech Republic’s second-largest city, Brno is a treasure trove of history, world-class architecture, and vibrant culture. Dominating the skyline is the Špilberk Castle, a former royal fortress and prison that now serves as a major cultural center. Architecture lovers shouldn't miss the iconic Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of modernism that occasionally hosts festival concerts, offering an unforgettable atmosphere.
A recent "must-see" are the historical eater tanks Žlutý kopec – vast, cathedral-like brick underground chambers that have become a global sensation. Brno is also the gateway to the South Moravia region, famous for its sun-drenched vineyards and exceptional white wines.
