Complete reconstruction of the Jiří Myron Theatre

Until this project, the Jiří Myron Theatre (one of the venues of the National Moravian-Silesian Theatre) had not undergone any substantial reconstruction or renovation for almost 30 years. The other main venue of the National Moravian-Silesian Theatre – the Antonín Dvořák Theatre – underwent a complete reconstruction (including an extension) in 2000. Now it is the turn of the Jiří Myron Theatre, which will be fully modernized to provide it with the necessary facilities for top-class theatrical performances as well as restoring its appearance to its former glory.

The reconstruction project is divided into two phases.

Phase 1 of the reconstruction project is now complete

The grand hall

The grand hall on the first floor of the Jiří Myron Theatre has now been completely reconstructed and renovated. It is currently known as the Edmund Palkovský Hall, but the theatre’s management has decided that it would be a shame to neglect other important figures in the theatre’s history, so the name will be changed annually. The hall was ceremonially opened to mark the 100th anniversary of Czechoslovakia’s independence. It is used as a venue for concerts, exhibitions and community events, as well as for dramaturgical presentations.

The “12” Theatre and bar

The “12” Theatre is a newly created chamber auditorium at the Jiří Myron Theatre complex. It has a capacity of 60 seats and will be used by all four of the ensembles at the Moravian-Silesian Theatre. Next to the entrance is the “12” Bar, where audiences will be able to enjoy the atmosphere before the performance. A unique feature of the bar is its tables, which are able to fold down to the floor when a higher capacity is needed, creating more space for visitors. When the tables are in the “up” position, the bar can also function as a theatrical stage.

The “Národní dům” cafe

The “Národní dům” café (named after the Czech community centre that was originally located in this historic building) is open to the general public during the day, and serves refreshments to audiences in the evenings. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (except at weekends, when it opens from 9 a.m.). 90 minutes before a performance (performances usually begin at 6.30 p.m.) the café is closed to the general public until after the last interval in the performance, when it re-opens.

The National Moravian-Silesian Theatre Studio – for children and theatre-lovers

A new studio has been created on the site of a former butcher’s shop on the corner of Čs. legií St. and Milíčova St. It is a centre for theatre education and creative events for children and theatre-lovers: the studio is not only educational, but fun too.

The new ticket office in the arcade

The newly created arcade next to the main theatre entrance is the site of a new ticket office, where both individual tickets and season tickets are sold. The arcade also gives access to the theatre café.

Reconstruction of the theatre’s facilities – auditoriums, accommodation for visiting artists

There is a spacious new rehearsal room used by the operetta/musical ensemble’s orchestra, as well as a new hall. The accommodation facilities for visiting artists have also been completely reconstructed, and an entirely new floor with hotel-type rooms has been created.

New façade and reconstruction of the main entrance

The changes are immediately visible: the façade and the entrance area have been tastefully renovated to restore them to their former glory. The colour scheme and the ornamental features are very similar to those that were used when the theatre (originally a Czech community centre) was first built; the words “Národní dům” (the name of the former community centre) have been restored to their original position.

The second phase

The second phase of the project will include the creation of rehearsal spaces and a chamber auditorium. The rehearsal facilities will serve the theatre’s four separate ensembles, and it will also be used as an experimental space for one-off performances, accompanying programmes and projects (with a capacity of around 250 people). New accommodation facilities will also be created, alongside a new ballet hall and an orchestra rehearsal room. Phase 2 is scheduled to begin in 2022.