Czech Philharmonic
It was nowhere else than at Rudolfinum where the Czech Philharmonic staged its very first concert. The date was 4th January 1896 and the performance was conducted by Antonín Dvořák himself. The Philharmonic soon became the most important Czech symphony orchestra and had already established a considerable reputation on European stages by the time of the First World War. For more than 126 years, its history has been influenced by numerous Czech and foreign personalities.
Today, the orchestra receives recognition for its canonical interpretations of the music of Czech composers: A. Dvořák, B. Smetana, J. Suk, L. Janáček, B. Martinů and others, but it is also known for its strong relationship to the works of J. Brahms, P. I. Tchaikovsky and G. Mahler.
However, the Czech Philharmonic is not just an orchestra. It is also an institution which, as an organization cofinanced from the state budget, carries out numerous activities and roles.
I believe that if there is a building with such a long history and where so many great musicians have performed, it is retained in the house. I think that even the philharmonic musicians feel, as they go on stage in the Dvořák Hall, that Dvořák conducted there and there was a whole plethora of the best musicians. It brings good energy.
Concert activity
The Czech Philharmonic prepares and organizes the program for each season. From subscription series to special concerts to tours. Czech Philharmonic concerts.
Education
The philharmonic prepares programs for schools, music school pupils, teachers, and the general public. Within the Orchestral Academy, it strives to successfully develop professional young musicians.
Archive
The philharmonic documents the history of the orchestra and the institution. Through a digital concert hall, it builds an audiovisual archive of its performances.
Recording
The philharmonic works on projects for renowned labels around the world, currently collaborating with the Dutch Pentatone label, and also produces its own broadcasts and recordings of its own concerts.
Rudolfinum Administration and Development
The Philharmonic takes care of Rudolfinum, a national cultural monument. It oversees the of day-to-day maintenance and carefully considers any development of the building, as well as the associated objects and technologies within it.
Rentals
The Philharmonic rents out concert halls and recording studios to various music ensembles, as well as Rudolfinum's public spaces.
Galerie Rudolfinum
Galerie Rudolfinum is Prague’s grandest exhibition space for international contemporary art.
The gallery’s mission is to bring international and Czech visual artists together in dialogue, to inspire visitors through an engaging programme of exhibitions, performances, talks, publications, and educational events in the much-loved Artpark.
With free admission, the gallery is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for diverse local and international visitors of all ages.
Since its foundation in 1994, Galerie Rudolfinum has provided an important platform for showing the best in contemporary art, with its impressive gallery spaces playing host to ambitious and innovative exhibitions in a wide range of media. Over 1,000 important artists from around the world have shaped what Galerie Rudolfinum is today.
I believe that art lovers in the Czech Republic deserve to see the best of international art in this country. Galerie Rudolfinum brings the contemporary art world to Prague and supports Czech artists in forging global connections.
Exhibitions
Galerie Rudolfinum presents 3–4 major exhibitions a year with free admission. An annual group exhibition brings together artists from Czech Republic and beyond to reflect on a thought-provoking topic that connects us all. Each year, solo and duo exhibitions provide a platform for in-depth presentations by some of the most talked-about artists from around the world.
Events and Education
The gallery organizes guided tours, public lectures, and a range of performances that enhance the exhibitions. The Artpark education space offers educational programmes for schools and the public.
Publications and Library
The gallery prepares and publishes exhibition catalogues and other books on contemporary art. Books and journals are freely available for browsing in the Galerie Rudolfinum Library, which is situated in the Artpark.
Czech Chamber Music Society
The Czech Chamber Music Society is one of the oldest music institutions in the Czech Republic. It was founded to support concert activities of the young Bohemian Quartet in 1894.
Since its inception, the Society has organized more than 2,600 concerts in Prague. Today, you can see them in the Rudolfinum Dvořák and Suk Halls and in the Martinů Hall of the Liechtenstein Palace.
In 1994, the Society became part of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra whilst retaining its historical name and dramaturgical identity.
Every year we try to organize the most varied offer from which, as we firmly believe, you will choose your favorite ensemble or work. We may even bring you something new to broaden your horizons.
Concert activity
The Czech Chamber Music Society provides 5 subscription series per year with a total of 28 chamber music concerts.
Promotion of Chamber Music
The Society presents a classical domestic and world repertoire as well as contemporary chamber music.
Talent Support
The Society supports young instrumentalists, ensembles, and composers.
Café Rudolfinum
At Rudolfinum, the aural and visual arts are complemented by the gastronomic poetry of the Café Rudolfinum café and restaurant. It may not boast as rich a history as the other institutions in the building, but they share a common goal: to give the visitor an extraordinary experience.
Whether you order coffee, a glass of wine or something from the menu, you will hear, even here, a symphony–of flavors and aromas–and observe a presentation of objects that are literally mouthwatering.
Opening Hours in July and August
Monday closed
Tuesday–Sunday 10.00 a.m.–6.00 p.m.
