50+ essential culture picks for Prague this spring: Art, theater, live music, and film

Spring in Prague arrives with a cultural calendar that more than delivers. William Kentridge makes his Czech debut at Kunsthalle Praha, Paul Simon plays three nights at the Congress Centre, Eric Clapton comes to the O2 Arena, and the 81st Prague Spring festival opens at the Municipal House in May.

Across the city's galleries, the first major de Chirico exhibition in nearly a century shares the season with a landmark show on North Korean testimonies and a rare look inside the St. Vitus Treasury.

From Depeche Mode symphonic tributes to contemporary circus, Roma music, and American theater, here is our guide to the best cultural happenings of spring 2026.

The first major exhibition in Czechia dedicated to William Kentridge, one of the most celebrated artists working today. Raised in Johannesburg during apartheid, Kentridge's practice spans drawing, sculpture, film, performance, and opera. The show traces his path from early charcoal animations to recent multidisciplinary works, including pieces created specifically for Prague, speaking to exile, political polarization, and the fragility of hope.

Kunsthalle Praha; April 16–September 7, 2026

The Schwarzenberg Palace traces the lily through centuries of art, from ancient symbols of fertility and abundance to Christian iconography, the bloom as an attribute of saints and the Virgin Mary, and the turn toward natural beauty that preoccupied artists from the 19th century onward.

Schwarzenberg Palace, National Gallery Prague; March 17–June 28, 2026

After nearly a century, a major de Chirico exhibition returns to Prague. More than 60 works from Italian and European private collections span three sections of the Italian Cultural Institute's late 16th-century complex, from metaphysical architecture and Italian piazzas to the "Baroque" phase of horses and still lifes, to graphic works and prints. The show also nods to de Chirico's friendship with Czech painter Jan Zrzavý.

Italian Cultural Institute Prague; March 3–April 26, 2026

A lucid and critical look at a society shaped by media, past and present. Drawn from the collection of Annette and Peter Nobel, this major group show runs through August — making it the defining exhibition at DOX for the entire spring season.

DOX Centre for Contemporary Art; March 6–August 23, 2026

The Riding Hall of Prague Castle presents the St. Vitus Treasury in dialogue with contemporary art, medieval reliquaries and liturgical objects alongside works by Edmund de Waal, Josef Koudelka, Gerhard Richter, Francis Bacon, and Anselm Kiefer.

Prague Castle Riding Hall; March 27–July 26, 2026

The National Gallery's permanent collection spanning eight decades of Czech and world art gains a new dimension from March 27, with the addition of an intervention by Jiří Kolář drawing on his landmark participation at the X Bienal de São Paulo.

Trade Fair Palace, National Gallery Prague; from March 27, 2026

Ray Bradbury's horror story The Crowd, about the same mysterious faces appearing at every accident, inspired three Czech photographers across three different decades. Ivo Gil shot in 1971, Karel Cudlín in the late 1980s, and Dan Materna in the early 1990s. The result is an unsettling meditation on voyeurism, crowds, and collective memory, curated by Materna himself.

Czech Photo Centre through April 19, 2026

A themed exhibition exploring the traditions, rituals, and visual culture of Easter in the Šumava region.

Charles Bridge Museum; March 29–May 24, 2026

The largest exhibition about North Korea and North Korean refugees in Europe. This immersive multimedia festival fills 1,500 m² of Hall 13 at the Prague Market with authentic testimonies, photography, and installation under the creative direction of writer and Korean scholar Nina Špitálníková. A children's zone runs alongside the main program.

Holešovice Market, Hall 13; May 8–20, 2026

One of the great Czech documentary photographers, Viktor Kolář has spent seven decades training his lens on a single subject: Ostrava. His black-and-white images turn the city's miners, industrial landscapes, and marginalized communities into dramatic tableaux, raw reality shot through with unexpected poetry. This show brings together iconic works that have become cornerstones of Czech documentary photography alongside photographs from the 1990s that have never been previously exhibited.

Fragment Gallery (Karlín); through April 12, 2026

The SKUTR directing duo of Martin Kukučka and Lukáš Trpišovský bring Ovid's ancient cycle of transformation myths to the State Opera stage in their own contemporary adaptation. Seven stories, from the Creation of the World and the Flood to Orpheus and Eurydice and Philemon and Baucis, unfold as a stage poem about the inscrutable playfulness of the gods and the one thing that never changes: the soul. Live music from two chamber quartets throughout. English surtitles.

Nine days of theatre, comedy, music, dance, and storytelling spread across the historic venues of Malá Strana. Over 200 performances from some 40 shows, featuring hundreds of artists from around the world. The Fringe Club keeps the party going for those with stamina.

Various venues, Malá Strana; May 24–29, 2026

An English-language production by the Prague Harman Street Players, inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's The Masque of the Red Death and Charles Beaumont's horror story The Howling. Rich, well-connected, and very aware that the world is ending, the Hessian brothers throw a party. Then one of them invites a stranger.

The Harman Street Theater; March 26, 2026 (plus additional dates)

The latest English-language Cimrman outing at the Žižkov theatre, in which the great fictional genius grapples with the effects of age on wit, language, and creative power. The dialogues wander, the jokes land softer, and somehow that's exactly the point.

Žižkovské divadlo Járy Cimrmana; March 27, 2026 (plus additional dates)

The Mad and Merry Men continue their ten-month, ten-installment tour through Conan Doyle's canon with the fifth chapter of their series performed entirely in English at Divadlo D21.

Divadlo D21; March 25, 2026

Thornton Wilder's American masterpiece receives another English-Czech staging courtesy of the Prague Shakespeare Company and Theatre USA, directed by Ash Visker. A poignant meditation on ordinary life in the town of Grover's Corners and a reminder to pay attention while we still can.

Divadlo Na Prádle; multiple dates from April 10, 2026

Berlin's Maxim Gorki Theater arrives at ARCHA+ with this sharp, intimate English-language production. T-Boy is a trans teenager navigating desire, identity, and the brutal realities of cis-gay subculture on Grindr. Directed by Malaya Stern Takeda, performed by João d'Orey

ARCHA+, Velký sál; May 5, 2026.

The State Opera; multiple dates from March 21, 2026

Francis Poulenc's opera follows the fate of Blanche de la Force, a fearful young woman who retreats from the world into a Carmelite convent, only to face execution and martyrdom during the Reign of Terror. The music is impressionistic and tender, building to one of opera's most harrowing final scenes, where the nuns' song mingles with the sound of the guillotine. Directed by Barbora Horáková and conducted by Gabriel Feltz, with the Prague State Opera Orchestra and English surtitles.

The State Opera; May 21 and 24, 2026 (premiere performances)

Cirk La Putyka's cabaret spectacular returns to Jatka78. Czech and international circus stars, backed by Slovak singer-songwriter Katarzia, conjure a space outside time: part Voskovec and Werich, part Moulin Rouge, part something entirely its own. Nudity, rhythm, satire, and a standing invitation to forget the world exists. Not suitable for under-15s.

The final chance to catch EVER, the closing piece in choreographer Václav Kuneš's imaginary triptych. Four dancers perform in the glare of exhibition spotlights, driven by a relentless electronic set from sound artist Ladislav Zensor (aka Exhausted Modern), while a Václav Havel essay on live theatre plays in the background, a quietly urgent counterpoint to the pulse of the music.

La Fabrika, Holešovice; April 23–24, 2026

Jatka78, Velká scéna; multiple dates from March 28, 2026.

The legendary New York club comes to ARCHA+ in a full-scale theatrical party. Dressed in your choice of ticket category (Bianca and Mick Jagger? Disco maniac? Rookie?), you enter via a Decompression Room with a welcome drink, then stay for 90 minutes of glitter, bodies, music, and controlled chaos. Strobe lighting and open flame in use. Suitable from age 15.

ARCHA+; multiple dates from March 30, 2026

Over 30 movies from all corners of Europe make up this year’s program of the Days of European Film, running in mid-April in Prague, Brno and many other Czech cities. Showing the best of contemporary European cinema where new voices emerge alongside more established names, this year’s edition pays special tribute to Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino.

Showcasing the Czech premieres of both international and home-grown movies, the Prague Film Festival is back in Kino Pilotů for a week-long program of screenings, debates, guest talks and networking events for film professionals and enthusiasts. Among the highlights, don’t miss the Golden Globe-nominated My Father and Qaddafi or a masterclass on Francis Ford Coppola’s timeless Godfather.

Kino Pilotů; Apr. 14-19, 2026

Kino Světozor, Edison Filmhub, Kino 35; Apr. 9-19, 2026

Beloved to Czech audiences, legendary Hong Kong director Wong Kar-wai sees several cinemas in Prague screen some of his best titles throughout the spring. As part of the long-running Film Asia cycle, Kino Lucerna will showcase Chungking Express or Fallen Angels in late March and early April, while Kino Pilotů is planning weekly screenings of his beautifully melancholic and languorous films.

Multiple cinemas across Prague; throughout the spring 2026

For a throwback to cult films, Ponrepo always delivers, with several cycles of renowned filmmakers planned throughout April, including of Polish filmmaker Andrzej Wajda and Some Like It Hot-creator Billy Wilder. Kino Aero’s long-running Legends cycle is also there for eager movie buffs, with some of the upcoming screenings including Monty Python’s Life of Brian, A Clockwork Orange, Magnolia, Andrei Rublev and many more. LOTR geeks can also head to the Žižkov venue for a Lord of the Rings trilogy marathon on April 25.

Multiple cinemas across Prague; throughout the spring 2026

Revived just a few years ago, Kino Kavalírka in Prague 5 remains a slightly lesser-known venue for movie-goers but has a wide offer of English-friendly screenings all week long. Don’t miss their regular Friday event Movie & Drink, screening top-choice films like Bohemian Rhapsody, Brazil, The Dark Knight, Life is Beautiful or The Big Lebowski on a ticket that include three, specially made drinks in theme with the movie.

Kino Kavalírka; throughout the spring 2026

Designed as an all-day cinematic experience starting from 10 am, Kino Pilotů has a unique little something planned for amateurs of novelty: the Psychedelic Cinema trip will screen old and new little-known films to embark viewers in immersion into psychedelia and altered states of mind and consciousness.

Kino Pilotů, Apr. 11, 2026

Czechia has one of Europe's strongest Depeche Mode fanbases, which makes the Prague premiere of this symphonic tribute project a genuine event. The Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic, conducted by Adrian Kokoš, delivers a two-hour-plus orchestral reworking of the band's essential catalogue, Enjoy the Silence, Personal Jesus, Stripped, and deeper cuts, with original video projection and lighting design.

Congress Center Prague; May 29, 2026

Violinist Maxim Vengerov, widely regarded as the foremost string player of his generation, returns to Prague for an evening moving from Mendelssohn's sparkling "Italian" Symphony through Alexey Shor's lyrical Violin Concerto No. 6 "Carpe Diem" to Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D major conducted by Emmanuel Villaume.

Municipal House, Smetana Hall; April 26, 2026

One night later, Juilliard-trained pianist Arsenii Moon, winner of the prestigious Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition, takes the stage for a program running from Mendelssohn's The Hebrides overture and Shor's Piano Concerto No. 1 to Ravel's Mother Goose and the work he performed in his Busoni final: Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. A discounted ticket package is available for both concerts at prgphil.cz.

Municipal House, Smetana Hall; April 27, 2026

The 81st Prague Spring International Music Festival opens at the Smetana Hall of the Municipal House and will be broadcast live as part of the Prague Spring Open Air series. GoOut The program opens with Smetana's Má vlast, conducted by Petr Popelka and the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, which is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding. GoOut The festival runs through June 4, presenting over 60 events across three weeks.

Municipal House, Smetana Hall; May 12–June 4, 2026 (Opening Concert: May 12)

The spring portion of Prague's annual audiovisual festival wraps up with Berlin-based producer Apparat performing his new album at SaSaZu on April 8 with a full live band, followed by the closing night at Palác Akropolis on April 10, where Canadian composer Flore Laurentienne performs in Prague for the first time, blending orchestral writing with analog synthesizers.

SaSaZu and Palác Akropolis; April 8 and 10, 2026

Czech Republic's biggest female vocal festival, celebrating the voice as an instrument of communication, joy, and freedom of expression across genres and generations. Three days of evening concerts at Jazz Dock and the Grand Priory Palace feature six distinctive Czech and Slovak singers performing specially rearranged versions of their material with a shared festival band.

Jazz Dock and Grand Priory Palace; April 24–26, 2026

The biggest jazz open-air event in Prague takes place at Karlovo náměstí as a celebration of International Jazz Day, which falls on April 30. Run by nonprofit Nerudný Fest.cz, the festival presents a diverse roster of Czech and international acts, with a particular focus on emerging artists and experimental jazz.

Karlovo náměstí; April 30, 2026, 15:30

The 23rd annual open-air festival takes place on Štvanice Island and in clubs across Prague, featuring over a hundred musical discoveries from the Czech Republic and Europe across three days. Festival Finder The 2026 headliners include British indie rock trio Bilk, Luxembourg dark wave and techno project DasRADIAL, and Dublin electro-noise band YARD, alongside Czech singer-songwriter Toyota Vangelis.

Štvanice Island and clubs across Prague; April 30–May 2, 2026

The 20th edition of Prague's beloved student festival kicks off with a parade through the city and the election of the King and Queen of Majáles, culminating in a major open-air concert at Letňany Airport. Drum and bass headliners Dimension, Sigma, and Rudimental are confirmed, alongside a broad lineup of Czech and Slovak artists.

Prague Letňany Airport; May 1, 2026

The Jazzbit club series, the year-round sister project of the Mladí ladí Jazz festival, showcasing young Czech and international jazz talent at one of Prague's best-loved riverside venues. Three dates in May.

Jazz Dock; multiple dates from May 8, 2026

The Oscar-winning Irish singer-songwriter, frontman of The Frames and half of The Swell Season, performs at the Grand Hall of Lucerna, presenting new work alongside key songs from his career. The Prague date falls in the middle of a major European tour.

Lucerna Palace, Velký sál; May 9, 2026

More than 260 bands from 33 countries have performed over the years. The program spans concerts of traditional Roma music, gypsy jazz, exhibitions, film screenings, dance workshops, and expert conferences. The festival's signature defilé parade fills the streets of central Prague mid-week, culminating in a gala concert.

Various venues across Prague; May 24–30, 2026

The street festival brings Prague to life at the beginning of June, filling squares and streets with buskers under the open sky. All performances are free; audiences are invited to support artists with voluntary donations.

Various locations across Prague; June 5–6, 2026

Louis Tomlinson (Apr. 5, O2 Arena), Naomi Jon (Apr. 7), Robert Christian and Second Grass + Tim O'Brien (Apr. 8, Archa+), Paul Simon (Apr. 9, 10 & 12, Congress Centre), Eros Ramazzotti (Apr. 10, O2 Arena), Tame Impala (Apr. 20, O2 Arena), The Neighbourhood (Apr. 30 & May 1, Sportovní Hala Fortuna)

Klangkarussell (May 2), The Tiger Lillies (May 3–4, Lucerna Music Bar), Eric Clapton (May 4, O2 Arena), Flo Rida (May 19, O2 Arena), Deerhoof (May 19, MeetFactory), Goran Bregović Wedding and Funeral Band (May 23, SaSaZu), Blue October (May 26, Lucerna Music Bar), Ne-Yo & Akon (May 27, O2 Arena), Lee Ranaldo-Glacial (May 27, MeetFactory), Beth Hart (May 28, Congress Centre), André Rieu (May 29–30, O2 Arena), Conan Gray (May 31, O2 Arena)