Městské divadlo Jablonec nad Nisou Theatre building

Welcome. Right now, they've stopped in front of a building that forms an integral part of the face of this city. You're standing outside the City Theatre in Jablonica above Nisa. Before you go any further, stop for a moment and feel the atmosphere radiating from this place. This building is not just a wall and a roof, it is a living witness to many years of urban life, art and transformation that our society has been going through. Feel the seriousness and elegance that immediately brings you to the world of culture.

To understand why this building is so special, we need to go back deep into the past together. Imagine the end of the 19th century. In the year of the thousand eight hundred ninety-four, the first foundation was born here, the Jablonec Theatre Association. People at that time felt a strong need to have their own place for artistic speeches, a place where the community could meet and share the beauty of music and words. This desire was so strong that, over time, a grand project began to be planned. The construction itself, which you see before you now, originated in the years of a thousand eight hundred and five to a thousand eight hundred and six. When the opening ceremony took place in the year of the thousand eight hundred and seven, the city acquired a treasure that became a symbol of its rise and cultural level.

Now pay attention to the very form of the building that surrounds you. If you look at it, you can see a very interesting style in its lines and overall sound. It is an eclectic style, which means that it harmoniously combines different architectural directions and elements from different periods. Yet the Art Nouveau elements are clearly dominated here. This Art Nouveau is crucial to this building. Feel the softness and organic character that manifests itself in the overall face of the building. This proposal was not the work of random people, but the result of the work of one of the most prestigious Viennese studios of the time. They were called Fellner a Helmer. These architects were known throughout Europe for their ability to create theatres that were not only functional, but above all beautiful and full of charm. It's because of them that this building has such a high level and a world-class feel.

The history of this place is also associated with the names of important personalities. The theatre has undergone many changes over the years, not just the visual ones, but the nameless ones. In the year one thousand nine hundred forty eight the theatre was renamed Julia Fučíka. Julia Fučík was an important character whose name was linked to this place for decades. Later, in the year one thousand nine hundred ninety, the name returned to the original, that is, to the City Theatre as we know it today. This whole process shows how the view of culture changes and how our social values change.

It is interesting, however, that the path of this building to its present form has not always been a smooth path to perfection. If we continue our imaginative journey through time, we will encounter a period that was difficult for the theatre. Between a thousand and nine hundred and sixty-four and a thousand and nine hundred and sixty-eight, a major reconstruction took place. That was very difficult for the building because at that time, unfortunately, the original concept and the face designed by the famous Viennese masters broke. The building lost part of its original soul, and its artistic intent was damaged. Fortunately, however, the time for recovery has come. Another, very important reconstruction took place in the 1990s. Thanks to it, the theatre was able to return its original, beautiful architectural and artistic form. Thanks to this effort, you can see the building today in its true beauty. This building is so valuable that since the year one thousand nine hundred and fifty-eight it has been protected as an important monument.

For example, did you know that this theatre is one of the few buildings in our countries that has undergone such a comprehensive renewal of the original project? It's a story about how human efforts can return to tradition and how much we can ask the past to preserve it for future generations. It's a story about a fight between modern intervention and the loyalty of history.

Now I won't keep you in any more observation. The town theatre in Jablonica nad Nisou is a living heart of culture that still beats for all visitors and spectators. Continue to walk around this monument, perceive its detailed form and be inspired by its history. You may also like the view of the building from other angles, which will reveal other minor details of her Art Nouveau face. Thank you for spending this moment with us and for being interested in the history of this special place. I wish you a beautiful rest of the day and many other experiences in discovering the beauty of this city.