Reduta Jazz Club

Reduta Jazz Club Prague: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Reduta Jazz Club, located in the heart of Prague, stands as a legendary institution where music, history, and culture intersect. Established in 1957, Reduta is not only Prague’s oldest continuously operating jazz club but also a symbol of artistic freedom and resilience during the turbulent political climate of former Czechoslovakia. Over the decades, Reduta has welcomed world-class musicians, played a role in key historical events such as the Velvet Revolution, and continued to support both established and emerging talent. Today, it offers visitors an authentic and immersive jazz experience steeped in historical significance (Wikipedia; Prague Classical Concerts; Reduta Official Website; Radio Prague International).

Founding and Historical Background
Reduta’s Role in Prague’s Cultural and Political Life
The Velvet Revolution and Beyond
The Iconic Bill Clinton Visit
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Practical Information
Venue Atmosphere and Features
Accessibility, Seating, and Facilities
Food, Drink, and Club Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Recommendations
References

Founding and Historical Background

Reduta Jazz Club was founded in 1957 by Czech bassist Jan Arnet at a time when jazz was viewed with suspicion by the Communist regime, seen as a Western and potentially subversive art form (Wikipedia). Despite these challenges, Reduta flourished, becoming a haven for musicians, artists, and intellectuals seeking creative freedom.

The club’s name, “Reduta,” refers to traditional centers of entertainment, and it quickly became a focal point for Prague’s jazz and small-stage theater scene. Its programming included jazz concerts, cabaret, and experimental theater, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of artistic innovation and subtle political dissent.

Reduta’s Role in Prague’s Cultural and Political Life

Through the 1970s and 1980s, Reduta evolved from a music club into a symbol of resistance. During the “Normalization” era, when the government sought to reinforce Communist control after the Prague Spring, Reduta served as a meeting place for dissidents and a forum for avant-garde performances (Prague Classical Concerts). The club’s discreet environment allowed for debates and networking that contributed to the intellectual undercurrents leading up to the Velvet Revolution.

Reduta’s stage has hosted both Czech jazz legends—such as Jiří Stivín, Karel Krautgartner, and Miroslav Vitouš—and international stars like Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea, and Tony Scott (Wikipedia). The club helped organize the Prague International Jazz Festival from 1964, cementing its reputation as a cornerstone of Czech jazz.

The Velvet Revolution and Beyond

Reduta’s cultural influence peaked during the Velvet Revolution of 1989. Its location on Národní třída, the site of pivotal student demonstrations, placed it at the epicenter of political change in Czechoslovakia. The club became a hub for artists, students, and activists during the dramatic societal transformations that followed (Radio Prague International).

The Iconic Bill Clinton Visit

A defining moment in Reduta’s modern history occurred in 1994, when U.S. President Bill Clinton, accompanied by Czech President Václav Havel and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, visited the club. Clinton famously joined a jam session on stage, playing “Summertime” on a saxophone gifted by Havel (Wikipedia; Radio Prague International). This moment symbolized the Czech Republic’s renewed openness to the West and is commemorated within the club to this day.

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Practical Information

Location: Národní třída 20, Prague 1, Nové Město, Czech Republic
(Reduta Venue Info)
Getting There: Accessible by metro (Národní třída, Line B), trams 9, 18, 22, and on foot from major landmarks.
Opening Hours:
- Bar opens at 7:00 PM daily
- Evening concerts typically start between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM; some shows begin at 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM
  (Reduta FAQ)
Ticket Options:
- Standard Ticket: Entry and assigned seating
- REDuta ZONE: Semi-private seating for small groups
- VIP Ticket: Front-row seats, welcome drink, occasional souvenirs
- Discounts: Children under 6 free; ages 6–14 and seniors 70+ receive 30% off with valid ID
  (Reduta FAQ)
How to Buy Tickets:
- Online via Reduta’s official website or through authorized ticketing portals (GoOut, Ticketportal, Ticketpro, Bohemia Ticket, Via Musica)
- In person at the club’s booking office, open from 9:00 AM on weekdays
- Non-binding reservations for lower-priced tickets (under 350 CZK) must be collected at least 30 minutes before the show
  (Reduta FAQ)
Pricing:
- Ticket prices typically range from 200–500 CZK depending on the event and seat type (Concerts50 Review)
Advance Booking: Strongly recommended, especially for weekends and special events.

Venue Atmosphere and Features

Reduta’s interior evokes the golden age of jazz, with a compact, vintage-inspired layout that places every seat close to the stage (viewfromprague.com). The club’s famed acoustics and intimate atmosphere create a highly immersive experience. Unique features include the Saxophone Bar, which serves beer from a golden saxophone tap and offers a range of signature cocktails and wines (Colosseum Ticket).

Programming is diverse, spanning classic Dixieland, modern jazz, big band, blues, Latin, jazz rock, and soul. Reduta regularly features both established and emerging Czech and international artists (Prague Classical Concerts).

Accessibility, Seating, and Facilities

Seating:
- Regular ticket holders receive assigned seating upon arrival
- VIP and REDuta ZONE tickets provide reserved, premium seats near the stage (Reduta FAQ)
Accessibility:
- The club is not fully wheelchair accessible due to steps at the entrance, but staff can assist guests with limited mobility if notified in advance (Reduta FAQ)
Dress Code:
- No strict dress code; smart-casual attire recommended
Cloakroom:
- Guests must leave jackets and bags in the cloakroom due to limited space

Food, Drink, and Club Amenities

Refreshments:
- Light snacks (chips, almonds) are available; full meals are not served
- Bar offers Czech beers, wines, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages (Reduta FAQ)
Smoking Policy:
- The club is fully non-smoking, in compliance with Czech law (Reduta FAQ)
Wi-Fi and Air Conditioning:
- Free Wi-Fi (“redutajazzclub-free”) and full air conditioning are provided
Children and Families:
- All ages are welcome; children under 6 enter free, but late showtimes may not suit very young children (Reduta FAQ)

Nearby Attractions

Reduta’s central location makes it ideal for combining with a visit to nearby Prague landmarks, such as:

National Theatre
Wenceslas Square
Old Town Square
Charles Bridge

The surrounding Nové Město district is filled with cafes, restaurants, and cultural sites, making it easy to explore Prague’s vibrant urban life before or after your Reduta experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Reduta Jazz Club’s visiting hours?
A: The club opens daily at 7:00 PM; concerts typically begin between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM.

Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: Online via the official website, at the club’s booking office, or through authorized portals like GoOut or Ticketportal.

Q: Is Reduta wheelchair accessible?
A: The club is not fully wheelchair accessible due to steps, but staff can assist guests with limited mobility if notified in advance.

Q: Are children allowed?
A: Yes; children under 6 enter free. Shows end around midnight, so late showtimes may not be suitable for very young children.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Yes, guests are encouraged to take photos and share them on social media or with the club.

Q: What genres of music are performed?
A: Reduta features jazz in all its forms, including swing, modern jazz, blues, Latin, jazz rock, and soul.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Reduta Jazz Club is an essential cultural destination for anyone seeking to experience the heart of Prague’s music scene and history. Its blend of historical ambiance, diverse programming, and central location make it ideal for both casual visitors and jazz enthusiasts. To ensure the best possible experience, check the club’s schedule, book tickets in advance, and plan to explore nearby historical sites.

For regular updates, exclusive content, and curated jazz event information, download the Audiala app and follow Reduta Jazz Club on social media. Enjoy an evening at Reduta—where every performance is a celebration of Prague’s artistic heritage.