Address: Wenceslas Square 819/43 ↔ Opletalova Street, New Town, Prague 1
The Jalta Passage is an important walkway connecting Wenceslas Square with Opletalova Street. It is set inside a Functionalist building constructed between 1929 and 1930, designed by architect Václav Velvarský for the Czech News Agency (ČTK). Built by Bohumil Belda’s construction firm, the property remains a textbook example of interwar Modernism.
Over the decades, the passage underwent several name changes and transformations:
Vaňha Passage: Named after Jindřich Vaňha, who opened a luxury seafood restaurant here in 1940.
Palace Theatre Passage: A reference to the Palace Theatre operating within the venue.
Jiří Grossmann Passage: Named in 1991 in honor of the famous Czech humorist.
Radek Brzobohatý Passage: Renamed in 2015 as a tribute to the renowned Czech actor.
The building was designed as a monolithic reinforced concrete skeleton with ribbed ceilings.
Facade: Six-axis facade featuring a cantilevered ribbon window.
Jalta Cinema: The original cultural space within the complex.
Theatre of Music (1949): Linked with the Czechoslovak Gramophone Works, featuring a landmark discotheque with over 33,000 vinyl records.
Palace Theatre: A active contemporary stage hosting musicals, drama plays, and concerts.
Radek Brzobohatý Theatre: Operating since 2003, with a complete renovation carried out in 2004.
The main theatre entrance leads from the inner passage through a 1st-basement foyer down to the main auditorium in the 2nd basement. The auditorium has a capacity of 273 seats with a classic proscenium stage.
Today, the Jalta Passage is an integral part of Prague’s vibrant city life:
Palace Theatre / Radek Brzobohatý Theatre: A dynamic cultural scene offering a rich repertoire.
Café & Restaurant: Stylish venues located in the front section.
Shops & Services: Small boutiques, specialty stores, and pickup points.
Pedestrian Link: A convenient covered shortcut between Wenceslas Square and Opletalova Street, fully accessible to the public.
The Jalta Passage is a Functionalist gem with a rich cultural history that seamlessly connects architecture, theatre, and urban life. It is a place well worth more than just a quick walk-through—stay a while and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Prague’s theatrical tradition.
