Mahen Theatre

The Mahen Theatre in Brno is a late 19th century theatre building in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic, completed and opened in 1882. It is a principal historic theatre of the city and remains in cultural use.

Completed in 1882 by a prominent theatre-building practice of the period, the theatre quickly became a central venue for German- and Czech-language drama in Brno. It gained particular technical distinction for the early installation of incandescent electric lighting during its opening period.

The theatre is located in Brno’s historic urban centre, within walking distance of central squares and other cultural institutions, and forms part of the city’s core performance circuit.

• Early electric lighting: Opened in 1882, it was one of the first theatres on the European continent to be fitted with incandescent electric lighting based on Thomas Edison's system.
• Continuous cultural use: The theatre was constructed in the late 19th century and continues to operate as a major cultural venue in Brno's historic centre.

What to See #

• Main auditorium: Main auditorium retains its 19th century horseshoe plan and ornate interior decoration, forming the principal performance space since the theatre opened in 1882.
• Façade and foyer: Street façade and foyer date from the original construction and face a central area of Brno's historic city centre; the building remains in active cultural use by the city's drama company.