Ponec Theatre building in Prague at sunset

Divadlo Ponec

Divadlo Ponec Visiting Guide: History, Hours, Tickets & Visitor Tips

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Located in Prague’s lively Žižkov district, Divadlo Ponec (Ponec Theatre) stands as a pillar of the Czech Republic’s contemporary dance and movement theatre scene. Housed in a historic building originally constructed as the Royal Bioskop cinema by František Ponec in 1910, the venue has evolved over more than a century—transitioning from silent films to a beacon of avant-garde performance art (tschechien-online.org). Since its transformation in 2001, Divadlo Ponec has been central to Prague’s dance community, fostering innovation, education, and international collaboration.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Divadlo Ponec’s rich history, cultural significance, visiting information, programming highlights, accessibility, and practical tips for making the most of your visit to one of Prague’s most dynamic historical sites (divadloponec.cz).

Historical Overview: From Royal Bioskop to Contemporary Dance Hub

Early Origins

The building that now houses Divadlo Ponec began as the Royal Bioskop cinema, founded by Czech cinema pioneer František Ponec in 1910 (tschechien-online.org). As one of Prague’s first dedicated cinemas, it quickly became a cultural fixture, reflecting the city’s embrace of modernity and the growth of film as an art form. The venue’s early 20th-century architectural style, with functional elegance, remains visible in its preserved façade and select interior elements.

Transformation and Decline

As cinema culture changed in the latter half of the 20th century, the Royal Bioskop—like many similar venues—declined and eventually fell into disuse. By the 1990s, the building was largely abandoned, mirroring wider shifts in urban culture and entertainment in post-communist Prague. Its location in the creative, working-class Žižkov district, however, made it a prime candidate for revitalization.

Contemporary Revival

In 2001, following an extensive renovation led by the Tanec Praha civic association and with municipal and state support, the venue reopened as Divadlo Ponec (divadloponec.cz). This transformation established the country’s first permanent stage devoted exclusively to contemporary dance and movement theatre, filling a vital gap in the Czech performing arts landscape. The renovation balanced modern technical upgrades with the preservation of historic architectural features, ensuring both functionality and a sense of heritage.

Cultural Significance

Divadlo Ponec is a catalyst for contemporary dance in Prague, offering a professional platform for both emerging and established artists. Its innovative program is marked by diversity—ranging from avant-garde solo works and family-friendly performances to large-scale festivals and educational workshops (goout.net). The theatre is renowned for supporting independent artists, cross-genre collaborations, and interdisciplinary projects that merge dance with visual arts, music, and technology.

A key player in the international dance scene, Ponec frequently hosts major festivals such as Tanec Praha and the Czech Dance Platform, attracting top choreographers and companies from around the globe (divadloponec.cz).

Visiting Divadlo Ponec: Hours, Tickets, and Getting There

Address & Contact

Address: Husitská 24a/899, 130 00 Praha 3, Czech Republic
Phone: +420 222 721 531, +420 724 123 882
Email: [email protected]
Official Contact Page

Opening Hours

Box Office: Opens one hour before each performance.
Performance Schedule: Shows typically run Tuesday through Sunday evenings, often starting around 7:00 PM. For the most current information, consult the official website or GoOut event listings.

Tickets

Prices: Generally affordable, around 200 CZK, with discounts for students, seniors, and groups (Frommer’s Guide).
Booking: Purchase tickets online at the official website, at the box office, or via GoOut.
Advance Booking: Recommended for festivals and premieres.

Getting There

Tram: Lines 5, 9, 15, 26 to “Husinecká” stop (short walk).
Metro: “Florenc” station (lines B & C) about 10 minutes’ walk.
Parking: Limited street parking; public transit is advised.

Accessibility & Facilities

Divadlo Ponec is committed to inclusivity and accessibility:

Wheelchair Access: Step-free entry and accessible seating. Contact the venue for special arrangements (Prague Accessibility Guide).
Restrooms: Accessible facilities available.
Seating: Configured for mobility needs—notify staff when booking.
Public Transport: Served by low-floor trams and accessible metro stations (Prague Accessibility Info).

Additional amenities include a bar, cloakroom, free Wi-Fi, and a gallery space featuring dance-related exhibitions.

Programming Highlights

Annual Season

Each season, Ponec curates 7–10 premieres, regular performances by Czech and international companies, and reprises of acclaimed works. The 2024/25 season introduces a new Artistic Council, promising fresh creative directions (divadlo.cz).

Major Festivals

TANEC PRAHA: One of Central Europe’s largest contemporary dance festivals, featuring artists from over a dozen countries (divadloponec.cz).
Czech Dance Platform: Showcasing top local and international talent.

Family & Educational Programs

Ponec Junior: A third of programming is dedicated to children, youth, and families, with interactive performances and workshops.
Dance Well Program: Inclusive dance classes for people with Parkinson’s and other mobility challenges.
School Workshops: Educational events for local schools and community groups.

International Collaborations

Ponec regularly welcomes guest artists and companies from abroad, supporting cross-cultural exchange and residencies (CultureNet Open Call, Movers Prague 2025).

Thematic & Interdisciplinary Projects

From projects blending dance with science and ecology to participatory community events, Ponec’s programming is known for pushing boundaries and engaging with contemporary social themes (About the Theatre).

Visitor Experience & Practical Tips

Language: Many performances are non-verbal or use minimal dialogue; English-language programs are often available during festivals.
Dress Code: Smart casual; formal attire not required.
Photography: Not permitted during performances unless specified.
Refreshments: Bar open before shows and during intermissions.
Cloakroom: Available for coats and bags.

Explore Žižkov

Arrive early or stay after the show to discover Žižkov’s vibrant street art, cafes, and nearby attractions like the Žižkov Television Tower.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Divadlo Ponec’s visiting hours?
A: The box office opens one hour before each performance. Check the official website for event-specific details.

Q: How can I buy tickets?
A: Online via divadloponec.cz, at the box office, or via GoOut.

Q: Is Divadlo Ponec accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Yes, with step-free entrance and accessible seating. Contact staff for additional assistance.

Q: Does Ponec offer family or children’s programming?
A: Yes, through the Ponec Junior program and regular workshops.

Q: Are performances suitable for non-Czech speakers?
A: Many shows are non-verbal; English guides or surtitles are provided during major festivals.

Visuals and Media

Photos: The official website provides high-quality images with descriptive alt text, e.g., “Divadlo Ponec Prague contemporary dance venue.”
Virtual Tours: Available online for an immersive preview of the theatre.
Maps: Interactive maps highlight the theatre’s location in the Žižkov district.

Plan Your Visit

For the latest schedules, ticketing, and special events, visit the official Divadlo Ponec website and the TANEC PRAHA festival catalogue. Download the Audiala app for curated cultural guides and ticketing options.

Explore related sites like the National Theatre and DOX Centre for Contemporary Art to deepen your Prague cultural experience.

Summary & Recommendations

Divadlo Ponec is a cornerstone of Prague’s contemporary arts scene, uniting historic architecture with innovative performance. With its accessible programming, educational outreach, and international collaborations, the theatre welcomes audiences of all backgrounds. Whether you’re attending a headline festival, joining a workshop, or exploring Žižkov’s creative spirit, a visit to Ponec promises inspiration and insight into Prague’s dynamic cultural landscape (tschechien-online.org, divadloponec.cz, goout.net).