The Czech Philharmonic and the Rudolfinum have belonged together almost since the beginning. Already in 1896 they played their first concert here and together with the Czech Chamber Music Society, which is a part of the Philharmonic, they have resided here since 1946 until today.
The Symphonic Orchestra of the Czech Philharmonic rehearses and performs in Rudolfinum. The Dvořák's and Suk's halls are their home stages.
Apart from concerts, the Philharmonic also holds here 400 educational programmes for schools, teachers and even for a wide public every year.
In a modern TV studio the Philharmonic records and broadcasts their concerts. They create quality audio and video recordings for renowned publishing houses such as Pentatone.
As an administrator the Philharmonic takes care of daily maintenance, operation and development of the building. Not only do they look after the exterior but they even tend to a hundred rooms, kilometers of halls and all technology.
As one of the oldest music institutions, it was founded in 1894. In their repertoire you will find classical domestic and world compositions along with contemporary chamber music. They play 28 concerts a year in the Dvořák's and Suk's halls or in the Martinů hall in the Lichtenstein palace.
The gallery was founded in 1994 and it is a separate business unit of the CP. Each year it holds three to four exhibits focused on modern art while also organizing lectures, seminars, theatre performances and film screenings.
Rudofinum is ready to hold your gala, conference, reception, company presentation or any kind of festivity. It is only up to you whether you decide to hire the entire building, where you can comfortably fit over 1 500 people, or if you only opt for selected areas such as the Dvořák's hall or the Presidential lounge. They all have original interiors and ambiance.
We will prepare for you a festive menu, a banquet or small refreshments for any event you may host in our building. The turnkey gastronomic services in Rudolfinum are provided by Catering KM, a company subsuming Kalina Catering headed by the renowned chef Mirek Kalina and Maximum Services who provide all the equipment and facilities necessary for hosting up to 600 guests.
The facilities of our professional studio, where the Czech Philharmonic make their recordings, is waiting for you. All the equipment from microphones to recording and editing software is at the ready here. The studio is connected to both Dvořák's and Suk's hall, which are known for their excellent acoustics and pleasant reverberation. Whether you plan on making a studio recording or a live one with an audience, Rudolfinum is here for you.
We offer conducted tours during which you will visit Dvořák's and Suk's halls, representative lounges and in case of good weather we will even bring you to the Rudolfinum terrace. There you can enjoy a beautiful view of Prague while getting a close look at 32 statues of world-known composers. You will learn interesting facts about the building from its history all the way to its current operation, getting space for your questions.
Rudolfinum was named after a successor to the throne, the Crown Princ Rudolph. The construction was initiated by Česká spořitelna at the occasion of their 50th anniversary.
The building is a work of Czech architects Josef Zítka and Josef Schulz, who were inspired by concert halls and galleries in Germany, Belgium, France and England. When it came to the acoustics, they discussed it even with Richard Wagner himself.
The opening ceremony took place on the 7th of February 1885 in the presence of the director of Česká Spořitelna, both the architects and Prague's notables. Only the Crown Prince could not attend. The first composition played in the building was The Consecration of the House by Ludwig van Beethoven.
On Saturday, the 4th of January 1896, the first concert of the Czech Philharmonic was organized, conducted by Antonín Dvořák. He put on stage his following compositions: The 3rd Slavonic Rhapsody in A-Flat Major, Biblical Songs no. 1-5, the overture to Othello and the 9th Symphony From the New World.
During the era of the First Czechoslovak Republic the Rudolfinum along with the Academic Grammar School were transformed into the main office of the Chamber of Deputies under the National Assembly. It was here where in the years 1920, 1927 and 1934 Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk was elected president of the Czechoslovak Republic.
Between the years 1989 and 1992 a general renovation took place, lead by the architect Karel Prager. The building received new technical facilities, ventilation system, gas boiler room and other necessary equipment.
Read articles, which paint a picture of the building's history and tell you about the present state of Rudolfinum. We offer interesting and little-known information such as the story of the forgotten chain bridge, a description of how the Jan Palach square has changed over time, a recount of Václav Havel inaugurating an exhibit or facts about a brand new stage in Dvořák's hall.
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