Drak Theatre in Hradec Králové is one of the Czech Republic’s most imaginative cultural institutions, celebrated for its inventive approach to puppetry and visual theatre. Founded in 1958, it quickly became a pioneer of modern puppet art, blending traditional craftsmanship with bold scenography and poetic storytelling. Its name, “Drak” – Dragon – reflects the theatre’s playful spirit and its ability to transform simple materials into living characters. Inside, visitors can explore the theatre’s permanent exhibition, which reveals the creative world behind the stage. Original puppets, masks, and fantastical props show how Drak’s productions come to life, while interactive elements allow guests to try simple mechanisms and understand the artistry of movement. The exhibition also highlights the theatre’s international success, with awards and photographs from tours across Europe and Asia. A standout feature is the Labyrinth, an immersive space where visitors walk through atmospheric scenes inspired by Drak’s productions. The theatre building itself includes a modern hall with excellent acoustics and flexible staging, supporting everything from intimate puppet pieces to large visual spectacles.
Hradec Kralove Czech Republic
Drak Theatre is located on Hradební Street, just outside the medieval core of Hradec Králové, where the line of former city walls has been transformed into small parks and promenades. It is known for its imaginative puppet and visual theatre, with an attached labyrinth space that combines gallery, creative laboratory and multimedia playroom, making it especially attractive for families and lovers of experimental performance. From Drak Theatre it is only a short walk to the historic centre with Velké náměstí, the White Tower and the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, so you can easily link a performance with exploring the old town streets and squares. Nearby are also riverside paths along the Elbe leading towards the East Bohemian Museum and the Hučák hydroelectric power plant, while Jirasek Gardens with the wooden Church of St. Nicholas provide a green escape close to the theatre district. This location allows visitors to move smoothly between theatre, history, architecture and riverfront parks within a compact urban area.
Museum
Petrof Museum
Museum
Czech Pharmacy Museum and Café
Museum
Expozice sdělovací a zabezpečovací techniky Správy železniční dopravní cesty
Museum
Budova Archa
Museum
White Tower
Tower
Cathedral of the Holy Spirit
Cathedral
Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Hradec Kralove
Church
Church of St. Nicholas
Church
Klicpera Theatre
Theatre
Jirásek Gardens
Park
Šimkovy Gardens
Park
Žižkovy sady
Park
Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants
Botanical Garden
Observatory and Planetarium Hradec Králové
Observatory
Dřevěná zvonice
Historical Landmark