The Rudolfinum is a building in Prague, Czech Republic. It is designed in the neo-renaissance style and is situated on Jan Palach Square on the bank of the river Vltava. Since its opening in 1885 it has been associated with music and art. Currently the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and Galerie Rudolfinum are based in the building. Its largest music auditorium, Dvořák Hall, is one of the main venues of the Prague Spring International Music Festival and is noted for its excellent acoustics. The Rudolfinum has been the home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra since 1946 and is one of the main venues of the Prague Spring International Music Festival held each year in May and June. The building was designed by architect Josef Zítek and his student Josef Schulz, and was opened on 8 February 1885. It is named in honour of Rudolf, Crown Prince of Austria, who presided over the opening. Between 1919 and 1939, the building was used as the seat of the Czechoslovak parliament. The Rudolfinum's Dvořák Hall is one of the oldest concert halls in Europe. On 4 January 1896, Antonín Dvořák himself conducted the Czech Philharmonic in the hall in its first ever concert. The venue was the location of the recording of Nicola Benedetti's album, Tchaikovsky-Bruch Violin Concertos. The building also contains the Galerie Rudolfinum, an art gallery that focuses mainly on contemporary art. It opened on January 1, 1994 and is a non-profit institution directed and financed by the Czech Ministry of Culture. It is located at the back of the Rudolfinum. Galerie Rudolfinum has no collection of its own, and runs on the Kunsthalle principle, hosting a series of temporary exhibitions. It has around 1500 square metres of exhibition space. The gallery director is Petr Nedoma. The gallery's exhibitions focus mainly on contemporary art. Major exhibitions have included: František Drtikol – Photographer, Painter, Mystic (1998); Cindy Sherman: Retrospective (1998); Jürgen Klauke: Side Effect (1998); Czech Photography 1840–1950, (2004); Annelies Štrba (2005); Neo Rauch: Neue Rollen (2007); Uncertain States of America (2007–2008); Gottfried Helnwein: Angels Sleeping (2008) and Arthur Jafa: A Series of Utterly Improbable, Yet Extraordinary Renditions (2019).
Rudolfinum Tours and Tickets
🎧 Available audio guides (15)
The Rudolfinum is a building in Prague, Czech Republic. It is designed in the neo-renaissance style and is situated on Jan Palach Square on the bank of the river Vltava. Since its opening in 1885 it has been associated with music and art. Currently the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and Galerie Rudolfinum are based in the building. Its largest music auditorium, Dvořák Hall, is one of the main venues of the Prague Spring International Music Festival and is noted for its excellent acoustics. The Rudolfinum has been the home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra since 1946 and is one of the main venues of the Prague Spring International Music Festival held each year in May and June. The building was designed by architect Josef Zítek and his student Josef Schulz, and was opened on 8 February 1885. It is named in honour of Rudolf, Crown Prince of Austria, who presided over the opening. Between 1919 and 1939, the building was used as the seat of the Czechoslovak parliament. The Rudolfinum's Dvořák Hall is one of the oldest concert halls in Europe. On 4 January 1896, Antonín Dvořák himself conducted the Czech Philharmonic in the hall in its first ever concert. The venue was the location of the recording of Nicola Benedetti's album, Tchaikovsky-Bruch Violin Concertos. The building also contains the Galerie Rudolfinum, an art gallery that focuses mainly on contemporary art. It opened on January 1, 1994 and is a non-profit institution directed and financed by the Czech Ministry of Culture. It is located at the back of the Rudolfinum. Galerie Rudolfinum has no collection of its own, and runs on the Kunsthalle principle, hosting a series of temporary exhibitions. It has around 1500 square metres of exhibition space. The gallery director is Petr Nedoma. The gallery's exhibitions focus mainly on contemporary art. Major exhibitions have included: František Drtikol – Photographer, Painter, Mystic (1998); Cindy Sherman: Retrospective (1998); Jürgen Klauke: Side Effect (1998); Czech Photography 1840–1950, (2004); Annelies Štrba (2005); Neo Rauch: Neue Rollen (2007); Uncertain States of America (2007–2008); Gottfried Helnwein: Angels Sleeping (2008) and Arthur Jafa: A Series of Utterly Improbable, Yet Extraordinary Renditions (2019).
Overview
More Info
- The late-19th century Rudolfinum is a classical music theater on the east bank of Prague’s Vltava River, located at Jan Palach Square. It’s neo-classical in design, and is the home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. As well as admiring the architecture from the outside, visitors can attend a performance or take a guided tour.The Rudolfinum was opened in 1885, and consists of several concert halls. The largest, the Dvorak Hall, is named after one of the Czech Republic’s most famous composers, while the building itself was named after Rudolf, Crown Prince of Austria. Regular concerts are held here, and as well as providing high-quality entertainment, they’re a good way of experiencing the theater’s grand interior. Tours are guided by employees of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, so visitors will hear insider stories about the history of the building and what happens inside. Travelers interested in classical music shouldn’t miss watching a concert here, or taking a guided tour. It’s also a fixture on many guided walking tours of Prague, so there are various ways to experience the Rudolfinum.*Guided tours are offered in Czech, English, French, or German. They last for one hour. *The Listopadu Street entrance to the Rudolfinum is wheelchair accessible. *If attending a concert, the dress code is smart.The Rudolfinum is a short walk from Prague’s Old Town Square and the Staromestska metro station, and just across the river (on the Manesuv Bridge) from the Lesser Quarter beneath Prague Castle and the Malostranska metro station. Many trams also pass near the Rudolfinum, so it’s easy to get to.Concerts and guided tours are held throughout the year. The Rudolfinum is the main venue for the Prague Spring International Music Festival in May and June, so it is particularly happening in late spring and early summer. Book tickets far in advance to see a show during this period.
More Adventures for You
0$
0$
3000$
Price From
$204.95 USD
Get Your Guide-You can book our highly-rated guides for exclusive, individual private tours just for you and your family, friends, class or group – tours that happen at your pace and focus on what you are interested in. Our most popular walking tours are the City Tour (2.5h) which covers all the major sights in Prague, your guide will show you all the famous sights and provide you with all the history of what Prague has to offer! You are able to customize the tour too if there are things you would like to skip or other areas you want to focus on more._en-US
Learn More
Price From
$65.50 USD
Explore the famous Terezin Concentration Camp on a half-day guided tour which starts in the heart of Prague in front of the Rudolfinum building. On the bus, you have the opportunity to listen to an audio guide right on your phone that will introduce you to the history of the Czech lands, the history of the Jews in our country, and the history of the town of Terezín. In the Small fortress of Terezín, you will take part in a guided walk with a local guide in the language of your choice. Take a tour of the site of the concentration camp, the barracks while hearing about how the former garrison town transformed into a camp. Learn about how Terezin changed dramatically when the Nazis renamed it Theresienstadt and sent the first Jewish transports there in November 1941. Enjoy this historically significant place to the fullest and explore with us the dark history that lies behind the gates of the Small Fortress of Terezín._en-US
Learn More
Price From
$13.32 USD
Unlike standard river cruises, our 1-hour sightseeing cruise is designed to show you all of Prague’s highlights in the shortest possible time – perfect if you are short on time. Step aboard a historic-style boat with a cozy indoor salon and open deck, so you can enjoy the experience in any season. Sail directly under the Charles Bridge and past Prague Castle – with plenty of opportunities to capture Instagram-worthy photos. Our departure point is right in the city center at Pier No. 16 – Kamina Boarding Terminal, so finding us is easy and you save time. We are River Boats Prague – Cruises with a Story. By booking directly with us, you support a family-owned company and avoid third-party fees or hidden costs._en-US
Learn More
Price From
$166.52 USD
This iconic Prague photoshoot is lead by Christine Wang, an experienced destination photographer for couple and family photos. After 1 hour of Prague photoshoot, you will be getting the most artistic, poetic Prague photos which you will love a lifetime. Depending on the speed of photoshoot and the individual preference of each group, we might not go through all the attractions. Each itinerary is customizable if guests have their specific photoshoot location(s) in mind. All original high-definition JPEG photos from the photoshoot will be provided. Pick 25 photos for artistic editing. Delivery of final images in 5 working days.
Learn More
For Individuals with Hearing Loss
- Video Guide
- Hearing kits
- Speech To Text
Accessibility for wheels
- Access with Portable Ramp
- Special Parking
- Accessible elevator
- Step-Free
- Wide doors >= 75 cm and < 90 cm
- Accessible Toilet
Access for Seniors
- Distance from drop-off location to entrance: Less than 20 m
- Recommended time for visit мore than 3 hours
- Recommended time for visit 2 hours
- Physical difficulty level - 3
Access for Visually Impaired
- Audio Guide
- Place has Special Guide Service
- Service animals permitted
As you step into the grand entrance of the Rudolfinum, the air is thick with anticipation. The ornate ceiling soars above you, intricate designs catching the light and casting shadows that dance playfully along the walls. The sound of your footsteps echoes through the vast space, a soft reverberation that seems to call out to the ghosts of performances past.
Walking further in, you can feel the history of the place seeping into your bones. The lingering presence of musicians and audiences long gone hangs heavy in the air, like a bittersweet melody that tugs at your heartstrings. The scent of old wood and polished brass mingles with the faint hint of flowers, creating a heady perfume that whispers of days gone by.
As you make your way into the concert hall, the atmosphere shifts. The warm glow of the chandeliers casts a soft, golden light over the plush red velvet seats, each one a silent witness to countless moments of musical magic. The stage stretches out before you, a vast expanse of polished wood and gleaming instruments waiting patiently for the next performance to begin.
As the music starts, you can feel it in your very soul. The notes wash over you like a tidal wave, crashing against your senses and carrying you away on a wave of sound. The music wraps around you like a warm embrace, lifting you up and carrying you along on a journey of emotion and memory.
Each note is a brushstroke, painting vivid pictures in your mind’s eye. You can see the sweep of a conductor’s arm, the graceful arc of a violinist’s bow, the flicker of emotion that plays across a singer’s face. The music weaves a tapestry of sound and feeling, each thread connecting you to something deep and primal within yourself.
And as the final notes fade away, leaving only the lingering echo of their passing, you are left breathless and heart-sore. The emotional journey of visitation has come to an end, but the memories and sensations linger on, a beautiful and haunting echo of the magic that lives within the walls of the Rudolfinum.
The Rudolfinum in Prague offers audio descriptive guides for visitors with visual impairments. They also offer sensory-friendly hours for visitors who may benefit from a quieter, less stimulating environment. It is recommended to contact the Rudolfinum directly for more information on the availability of these services during your visit.
The Rudolfinum is a cultural landmark in Prague that holds a special place in the hearts of many locals. As a renowned venue for classical music concerts and art exhibitions, it is a must-visit for both tourists and residents alike.
Local artists admire the Rudolfinum for its stunning architecture, with its neo-renaissance facade and beautiful interiors. Many artists have been inspired by the grandeur of the building and have even featured it in their works.
Writers often describe the Rudolfinum as a place that exudes a sense of history and tradition. Its halls have witnessed countless performances by world-class musicians and orchestras, making it a symbol of Prague’s rich cultural heritage.
For many locals, attending a concert at the Rudolfinum is a special experience that allows them to immerse themselves in the beauty of classical music and appreciate the acoustics of the renowned Dvořák Hall. The atmosphere of the venue, combined with the talent of the performers, creates a truly unforgettable experience.
Overall, the Rudolfinum plays a significant role in the cultural life of Prague, and locals take pride in having such a prestigious venue in their city. Whether attending a concert, visiting an art exhibition, or simply admiring the architecture from the outside, the Rudolfinum never fails to leave a lasting impression on those who experience it.
Rudolfinum is located in the heart of Prague, at Alšovo nábřeží 12, 110 00 Staré Město. Here are some detailed transportation options to help you get to Rudolfinum:
Public Transportation
- Metro: The closest metro station to Rudolfinum is Staroměstská on Line A. It’s just a short walk from the station to the venue.
- Tram: Various tram lines pass near Rudolfinum. The closest tram stops are Staroměstská (trams 17, 18, 53) and Rudolfinum (trams 2, 17, 18, 53).
- Bus: There are several bus stops near Rudolfinum, and you can plan your journey using the Prague Public Transport website or apps.
Accessibility
Rudolfinum is accessible to wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility. The venue has barrier-free access, ramps, wheelchair spaces, and accessible restrooms. If you have specific accessibility needs, you can contact the venue in advance to make necessary arrangements.
Ticket Booking
Tickets for events at Rudolfinum can be purchased online through the venue’s official website. You can also buy tickets at the box office located at Rudolfinum. It’s recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for popular events, as the venue can fill up quickly.
Discounts
Rudolfinum offers discounts for students, seniors, and other eligible groups. These discounts vary depending on the event, so it’s best to check the specific discount policies when booking your tickets.
Local Amenities
- Parking: There are several parking garages and lots near Rudolfinum, including Rudolfinum Parking Garage and Palladium Parking Garage. It’s advisable to arrive early as parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak times.
- Restrooms: Rudolfinum has accessible restrooms for both men and women.
- Dining Options: There are various dining options near Rudolfinum, catering to different dietary needs. You can find cafes, restaurants, and snack bars in the vicinity to grab a bite before or after the event.