The New Stage of the National Theatre is an example of representative architecture from the early 1980s. Completed in 1983, exactly 100 years after the National Theatre reopened following a devastating fire, the building is known for its glass block façade, designed by Karel Prager in collaboration with leading Czech glass artist Stanislav Libenský. Although the building appears austere and inaccessible from the outside, its interior is surprisingly intricate. Throughout the day, the theatre functions as an artistic space open to the public, and in the evening, it transforms into a performance venue with a unique dramaturgy. Karel Prager — Stanislav Libenský — Jaroslava Brychtová New Stage of the National Theatre in Prague, 1981—1983 Národní 4, Praha 1 – Nové Město The New Stage of the National Theatre is not a superstructure, although it might seem so at first glance. Here, Karel Prager built upon the existing concept of the entire complex. It is worth noting that despite being a highly competitive figure, Prager never entered any competitions for the redevelopment of the area around the National Theatre. It simply wasn’t his field. However, he was eventually brought in to complete the new buildings, primarily due to his excellent organisational and managerial skills — it was well-known that Prager never missed a deadline. Once involved in the project, he naturally played a key role when it became necessary to convert the building along Národní Street from a multipurpose cultural centre into a small theatre. Prager was the only one in the competition for the transformation who did not contest the completion deadline, undertaking to complete the project in less than two years. His ongoing collaboration with top engineers paid off, allowing for shortening and widening of the already completed structure to create a proportionally pleasing theatre hall. Another key asset was his collaboration with leading artists. Together with Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová, they found a way to create acoustic harmony inside using the newly designed glass façade. The result is a building that resembles a glass sculpture, or rather, a glass sculpture that functions as a building — a rare example of monumental glass sculpture in architecture. The building’s novelty and grandeur astonished the public, much like the Federal Assembly, and the public’s response remains similarly divided. Karel Prager (1923—2001) He graduated with a degree in architecture from the Czech Technical University in Prague (1945-1949). He worked at the Regional Design Institute in Prague, became the director of Atelier 3 at the Prague City Design Institute, and reestablished the Gama architectural studio in 1990. He was a member of the Mánes association, the Union of Czechoslovak Architects and the editorial board of the Architektura ČSR magazine. He founded the Huť creative group in 1967 and co-founded the Czechoslovak Centre for Construction and Architecture in the same year. In 1989, he initiated the establishment Architects and Artists Bloc, which he chaired until 2000. In 2001 he was awarded the Architects’ Guild Award for Personality of Czech Architecture and in 2011 he was awarded the Architects’ Guild Award for Lifetime Achievement. Excerpted from the book Architecture 58–89 Publication concept, editor, author of discussions: Vladimir 518 Nová scéna | Foto: Prague City Tourism