Carlsbad was very fond of Turgenev, Dostoevsky, Goncharov, a high opinion of the healing properties of the local waters was our great physiologist AND .P.Pavlov .Such people could not do at the resort only by caring for their own body, it was always given attention to the fact that the cultural life of the city was interesting and varied .This was first thought about in the beginning of the 18th century and the theater was built, so that the aristocracy coming to the water would not be bored .The first building of the theater was wooden and burnt in the next fire, which at that time in the city were frequent .In the years 1884-1886 gg .the famous architectural bureau "Felner and Helmer" was entrusted with the construction of a new building of the Melpomene temple .The way this project was implemented gives us the right to say today that it is an architectural and artistic gem of Karlovy Vary .
The building is built in neobarochnom style, which perfectly harmonizes with the style of urban development: the theater organically "blended" into both the urban and the natural landscape .The luxury of the interior is quite in line with its appearance .The decor of any building is magnificent, but the curtain attracts special attention - it was created jointly by Gustav and Ernst Klimt, as well as Franz Match .The main "engine" of the trio was, of course, Gustav Klimt, one of the most famous European artists .But other participants of the creative community were at the height of .Thanks to their cooperation, not only the famous curtain appeared, but also the magnificent painting of the auditorium's roof .
The plot of the hand-painted curtain should be described especially, since not every modern person is a connoisseur of mythology, which was typical of visitors to Carlsbad during the theater's construction. He understood the image immediately, because then in schools they were still taught "dead" languages and read those books that were written in these languages. The essence of the picture is a complex allegory, which celebrates poetic creativity.
The center of the composition is a sitting poet surrounded by beautiful women who inspire him .Naturally, the closest to him are the Muses, who have a direct relationship to the theater .It is the muse of Talia's poetry, the muse of Euterpe music and the Terpsichore dance muse .Also on the curtain are depicted the muse of Melpomene, Kalioppa, Clio and Urania, in addition, there are a man, woman and child here, as a symbol of an ideal harmonious family .Artists sang and the real family, because the prototypes for the three central music were three sisters Klimt - Clara, Hermin and John .The artists themselves also decided to "attend" the picture and depicted themselves as musicians .In the lower left corner, Franz plays the lute, Gustav got a transverse flute, and Ernst - a sweet lute .Framed curtain ornaments in the style of psevdorokoko, cheerful fauns and plump cupids hide behind the luxuriantly beautiful vegetation .The meaning of allegory is understandable, as the great Homer said, "the one who is loved by the muse is happy" .This is the message of great artists to those who will perform on the stage of the theater, their wish for success and the "kiss" of the muses .
The Karlovy Vary Theater is not only a historical and artistic monument, there are performances of different genres here, creative collectives from circuses to ballets are constantly on tour. It is especially pleasant that on the site of the theater you can choose a menu in Russian and get acquainted with the nearest repertoire first-hand.
Coordinates
Address: Divadelní náměstí, 21. How to get there: by buses 52 and 91 to the stop "Divadelní náměstí".
The ticket office is open every day from 12:00 to 17:30 and for an hour before the performance starts.
Cost: 100-390 CZK, depending on the category of places.