Silver Coin 10 CZK National Theatre 100th Anniversary 1968

100th Anniversary of the National Theatre

Silver commemorative coin issued in Czechoslovakia in 1968 to mark the 100th anniversary of the National Theatre. These coins are very rarely acquired and are therefore highly sought after by collectors and investors. The certificate of authenticity is not included with the coin.

The National Theatre is the most famous theatre in the Czech Republic. The idea of building a large stone theatre was considered by Czech patriots as early as 1844. Six years later, the first public collections were started. In 1862, the Provisional Theatre was opened, which later merged with the new National Theatre building and today serves as a backstage and dressing rooms.

Construction of the National Theatre began in 1868 with the laying of the foundation stone and the premiere of Smetana's Dalibor.

The main Neo-Renaissance building was designed by the architect Josef Zítek, the sculptural decoration was provided by the masters Uzel and Wildt. Many prominent artists participated in the romantic decoration inspired by Slavic mythology and B. Schnirch. M. Aleš, F. Ženíšek, J. V. Myslbek, V. Brožík and J. Mařák. On 11 June 1881, the National Theatre was opened, the first performance being the premiere of Smetana's Libuše, composed for the occasion. After eleven performances, the theatre was closed for finishing works. In the midst of this, a fire occurred, which destroyed the copper dome, the auditorium, the stage and the curtain of F. Ženíšek. The theatre fire was seen as a national tragedy, and immediately afterwards further collections began to rebuild the theatre. In less than two months, an incredible sum of one million gold coins was raised. Two years later, on 18 November 1881, the theatre reopened.
In the 1970s, the theatre underwent extensive reconstruction, which also saw the creation of the New Stage of the National Theatre. The current National Theatre has four artistic ensembles, drama, ballet, opera and Laterna magica.