Městské divadlo Pardubice Theatre building

Welcome to the heart of Pardubice, more specifically the part called Zelené Předměstí. Right now, standing here, you have before you one of the most important cultural treasures in this city. Look at this building, which, with its elegance and balance, immediately attracts every bystander's gaze. It's a city theater, a place that's not just a wall and a roof, but a living organism that serves people, tells stories and joins generations. Do you feel that strange atmosphere radiating from these walls? It's a place where art, emotion and history meet. Feel the beauty that surrounds you, and let yourself be carried away by the idea of all the moments that have happened here and that are still happening here.

In order to fully understand why this building is so exceptional, we must return together to the beginning of the twentieth century. At that time, the city had a great desire to have its own, modern and representative cultural centre which would correspond to its growing importance. In the year one thousand nine hundred and seven, the cornerstone of this building was laid, which meant the beginning of a new era for local culture. The whole building was subsequently completed in a thousand and nine hundred and nine. The theatre was built not only as an ordinary building for the performance, but as a symbol of the flourishing and cultural rise of the entire area. It has become the largest theatre scene in the whole city and is today a proud home for an important ensemble called East Bohemian Theatre Pardubice. So this building has been a pillar of local life for over a hundred years.

Now pay attention to the very form of construction that is surrounding you right now. You're facing a wonderful example of Art Nouveau style. If you look at the details, you will realize that the Art Nouveau is not just about decorating, but about trying to achieve harmony between human creation and the beauty of nature. The project was designed by the famous architect Antonín Balšánek. His vision was clear - to create a building that would be easy, yet it would have its weight and majesty. Look at the facade of the theatre. Notice these fine lines and rich decorations. On the facade there are molds, therefore decorative reliefs, which were created by an artist named František Urban. These shapes on the walls give the building movement and life as if the walls of the theatre were constantly changing. And if you raise your sight even higher, you can see the statue that guards the building. It's a statue of Genius carved by Bohumil Kafka. This spirit of art, this Geni, stands at the head of the building as a protector of all artists and spectators who seek beauty and inspiration in these spaces. The whole building is therefore the result of the cooperation of several large minds that have joined together to create this iconic work, which is now an important example of the Art Nouveau in the whole region.

When you look at these details, remember the people behind them. The history of this place is inseparable from the names of these creators. Antonín Balšánek was not just a builder, he was an architect who could grasp the whole vision of space. František Urban again brought colors and stories on the walls of the building through his paintings and reliefs. And Bohumil Kafka breathed the stone's soul through his statue. These people have become part of the identity of this place. The theatre is not just about actors on stage, it's about every craftsman, painter and sculptor who put their love of art in every stone and every decorative element. Without their work, this place would not give such a strong and profound impression today.

But the history of the theatre is not just about constant fame and beauty. Every great place that has a soul must go through difficult times. In the year one thousand nine hundred thirty-one, the theatre met with a great test that shook the whole city. There was a devastating fire that hit the very heart of the building. The fire was so strong that it destroyed the stage and the beautiful curtain that Francis Urban painted. Imagine the horror and sadness that people felt at the time when they saw their cultural heart threatened and what was so carefully built destroyed. This event is a reminder of how fragile art can be and how easily it can be disturbed by the forces of nature. Yet the theatre recovered from this drama. This event is also proof of the incredible power of the human spirit and the will to restore the beauty that has been destroyed.

Now that you have learned the basics, history and soul of this theatre, I suggest you continue your walk around the building. Feel her shadows, play the light on the facade and the invisible energy floating around. You may want to stop again and look at the statue of Genius or the details created by František Urban. Every piece of this building has its own story waiting to be discovered. Thank you for joining us on this short journey through time and space. We wish you a beautiful rest of the day and many other experiences while rediscovering the beauty of this city. We'll say goodbye, but we believe we'll meet you somewhere else.