4 standout shows to catch before opera season ends in Prague

Few cities can claim the opera pedigree of Prague, though it’s not just because of the art form’s long-standing popularity in Czechia. Opera here is more accessible than in many European capitals, with almost all performances sung in the show's original language, accompanied by surtitles in English and Czech. Tickets can be found for as little as CZK 190, and the historic venues are conveniently located near major public transport hubs.

For both expats and locals, the full Prague experience requires at least one curtain call at any of the Národní divadlo's fantastically beautiful theaters. As the 2025–2026 season wraps up, several final performances at the National Theatre and the State Opera offer a chance to see major works without peak-season crowds. Here's what's on through June.

Children and adults tapping into their inner child can find much that sparkles in Carousel, presented here in its first staging by the National Theatre. Czech composer Václav Trojan's opera follows a child’s journey through a series of imagined settings, where audiences feel like they are riding on a magical merry-go-round. From their seats, they'll travel through a fantastical universe with stops in an African rainforest, an Indian jungle, the Australian Outback, and American films. The storyline is enhanced by Trojan’s rich melodies, robust choruses and vibrant orchestration.

The sound and fury signifies everything in this operatic update of Shakespeare's timeless tale of ambition, power and fate, which found new vitality in the hands of Giuseppe Verdi. The famed 19th-century composer ennobled Macbeth further with dramatic music that enhances the dark mood and psychological depth, cutting straight to the soul. The gripping storyline culminates in Lady Macbeth’s iconic sleepwalking scene, where she performs "Una macchia è qui tuttora" while wrestling with her conscience.

The grisly events of the French Revolution take center stage in this National Theatre premiere. The story is a dramatic retelling of the Martyrs of Compiègne, 16 Carmelite nuns guillotined during the Reign of Terror, through a tender, haunting and lyrical score composed by Francis Poulenc. Though not for the faint of heart, Dialogues des Carmélites has won global fame since 1957 for its deeply moving and thought-provoking journey into courage, fear and faith.

Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca has wowed audiences for more than 125 years. As far as performance spectacle goes, it has it all: a historical setting during Napoleon’s conquests, the romantic intrigues of its main characters, and Puccini’s tense, explosive, cinema-esque score. The drama is highlighted by moments like Tosca’s lament, “Vissi d'arte, vissi d'amore," amplified by stage design inspired by Czech artist, Josef Svoboda.

These operas and historic theaters showcase some of what Prague has to offer for arts and culture lovers. With the season ending in June, many of these performances have limited dates. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekend shows.