Prague: Historic Theatres and a Private Painting Lesson

Visiting Prague is like stepping into a fairy tale—promising the perfect setting for a romantic winter getaway.

The entire city is a celebration of beauty, featuring intricate architecture untouched over centuries of history. A cultural treasure trove, this is where Mozart performed, where Czech composer Antonín Dvorak spent most of his life, and where writer Franz Kafka was born.

Immersed in vibrant Old Town, yet in a remarkably quiet enclave, Four Seasons Hotel Prague offers the city’s most desirable location. You’re at the edge of the Vltava River, steps from the Charles Bridge, with views across to Prague Castle. Guest rooms and suites welcome you with sumptuous interiors, reflecting the different eras of Prague’s history.

In February, a new Four Seasons restaurant makes its debut: COTTOCRUDO, a modern Italian restaurant, bar and lounge.  Also included will be a Crudo Bar—“raw” bar, in Italian—and its own cheese cave and wine cellar.

Visit Prague’s Three Most Beautiful Theatres

For lovers of theatre, music and history, Four Seasons presents an extraordinary opportunity. In a single day, you can discover three of the city’s most exquisite historic theatres—gems from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries—and then attend a performance that evening.

All three theatres are fantasies come to life, embodying the glamour of centuries past with delicate painting and gilding, rows of private boxes, and crystal chandeliers. All three are located within the Old Town, within an easy walk of the Hotel.

For this four-hour walking tour, an expert guide will take you inside and behind the scenes at each theatre, giving you a personal introduction.

• The Estates Theatre is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most beautiful theatres, a jewel box in blue and gold, designed in Prague Classicist style and opened in 1783. The intimate interior remains in its original glory. The theatre’s greatest claim to fame is that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart personally conducted the premiere of Don Giovanni here in 1787. The theatre continues a rich programme of dramas, ballet and operas.

• The National Theatre is a magnificent edifice embodying the Czech national spirit. You’ll be fascinated by stories of the theatre’s construction. After opening in 1881, the building was destroyed by fire, then rebuilt and reopened in 1883. Grand in every detail, the red and gold interior provides an unforgettable setting for drama, ballet and opera.

• The Municipal House is Prague’s most spectacular Art Nouveau building. Completed in 1912, the interior was decorated by the most significant Czech painters and sculptors of the time. Smetana Hall, the principal concert hall, will dazzle you with its elegant ornamentation and grandiose glass dome.

After this unforgettable session of touring, you’ll attend an evening performance at one of the three theatres, depending on the current programmes—featuring opera, ballet, drama or the symphony. With limousine transportation to and from the theatre, you can anticipate a magical night straight from a fairy tale.

When you return to Four Seasons, post-theatre refreshments will await in your guest room, featuring a selection of cheeses, salami and a fine Czech Pinot Noir.

Explore Your Creativity With a Private Painting Lesson

Prague is a city of such beauty and artistry, it’s an inspiring place to explore your own creativity.

For anyone interested in art, Four Seasons has created an exclusive painting lesson for two—ideal for couples. The aim of the “Women and Flowers” course is to compare the energy and shapes of the female body and flowers, guided by well-known Prague artist Lucie Crocro.

The setting is the Prague Botanic Garden, in a modern greenhouse that’s tropical and warm even on wintry days. The space is reserved exclusively, before or after hours.

“I want to give the participants a basic understanding of how to work with light, shadows and lines using charcoal, pencil, pastel and watercolours,” says Crocro, who studied at the Royal College of Art in London and the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague.

“The nude model will be posing in the garden, surrounded by flowers from different continents. I find this environment very interesting and inspirational. The approach is tasteful and artistic. The lesson is designed as a method of self-discovery through the painting of the model.”

It’s also possible to paint only flowers, with no model. Lessons are scheduled based on bookings and access to the Botanical Garden. Each lesson features a three-hour painting session, including painting equipment and limousine transfers to and from the Garden.

To help you plan your winter escape to Prague, these exclusive Four Seasons opportunities are available in easy-to-arrange packages.

Or, read more about the European Capitals of Culture.