Guide to Estates Theatre (Stavovské divadlo)

The Estates Theatre is one of the most beautiful historic theatre buildings in Europe, opened in 1783. Its construction was initiated by the enlightened aristocrat František Antonín Count Nostitz Rieneck, led by the desire to aggrandise his native city as well as the souls of its inhabitants.  Inscribed above the portal is the motto Patriae et Musis (To the Homeland and the Muses), which illustrates the grandiosity of the founder’s initial intention and which has maintained its validity to the present day. Following its affiliation to the National Theatre, it became a natural correlate to the National Theatre, with its motto The Nation for Itself. The Estates Theatre is also inextricably linked with the name of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Besides other of his works, it was the venue of world premieres of two Mozart operas: the celebrated Don Giovanni (on 29 October 1787 – conducted by the composer himself) and La clemenza di Tito (1791, to mark the coronation of Leopold II). It has been part of the National Theatre since 1920 and the Opera, Drama and Ballet ensembles give repertory performances.