Metro Theatre occupies an intimate auditorium inside the Neo-Renaissance Palác Metro on Národní třída, with a stage history spanning pantomime, black light theatre and contemporary comedy.
Known in Czech as Divadlo Metro, the venue is reached through the glass-covered passage at Národní 25 in the centre of Prague. Its flexible hall, rear balcony, theatre café and modern sound and lighting equipment support drama, guest productions, discussions, stand-up shows and occasional concerts.
From a Neo-Renaissance house to Palác Metro
The large house was built in 1870 in a palace-like Neo-Renaissance style to plans by architect Bohumil Tesař, who also worked with Josef Zítek on the National Theatre. After Václav Kleinhampl acquired it in 1919, a major reconstruction in 1922–1925 gave the complex the name Palác Metro.
Architect Karel E. Ort and engineer Stanislav Bechyně introduced an ambitious reinforced-concrete structure. The renewed palace contained shops, a café, a wine bar and later a cinema for up to 1,000 visitors.
Pantomime and black light theatre
Between 1991 and 1996, the former dance wine bar housed Studio Gag, the mime company founded by Boris Hybner. Architect and stage designer Miroslav Melena created a small theatre tailored to the ensemble.
After a further adaptation in 2002, the hall became home to Black Light Theatre Metro. This period explains the historical name still associated with the venue, but it no longer describes the theatre’s current programme.
A new chapter since 2024
Following its latest transformation in 2024, Metro Theatre now focuses primarily on Czech and international comedy. Its programme also includes visiting productions, discussions, stand-up shows and concerts.
The elongated auditorium can be arranged in different configurations and accommodates up to 209 spectators in its theatre layout. Together with the café and technical facilities, it remains a flexible cultural venue in central Prague.