Hybernia Theatre pairs an Empire landmark opposite the Powder Tower with a modern stage for musicals, ballet, concerts and multimedia shows.
Standing on Republic Square beside the Municipal House, the theatre occupies the former U Hybernů church. Its present programme crosses genres, while the building preserves a history extending from a medieval monastery to customs offices and exhibition halls.
From St. Ambrose to the Hyberni
Charles IV established a Benedictine monastery of St. Ambrose here in the 14th century. After its destruction during the Hussite wars, Ferdinand II granted the site to Irish Franciscans. Their Latin association with Ireland, Hibernia, gave U Hybernů its enduring name.
A Baroque church in Empire dress
The Franciscans built the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary in the 17th century. After the monastery was dissolved, Jiří Fischer reshaped the former church for financial and customs authorities in 1808–1811, creating its monumental Empire façade.
A historic shell with a modern stage
A reconstruction completed in 2006 inserted a fully equipped theatre into the historic structure. The auditorium now provides 816 seats across the stalls and balcony, with a 12 × 16-metre stage designed for large music-theatre, dance and concert productions.