The Mahen Theatre is Brno's main drama venue and one of the most beautiful theatre buildings in Central Europe. It was designed by the Viennese firm Fellner and Helmer — the most prolific theatre architects of the late 19th century — and opened in 1882. The interior is all red velvet and gilded plasterwork in the grand Austro-Hungarian manner.
Performances at the Mahen are in Czech, but opera and ballet productions at the affiliated Janáček Theatre are easier to follow without Czech. Check the National Theatre Brno's programme for the current season. Guided tours of the Mahen interior can be arranged through the theatre box office, and the foyer areas are sometimes open during the day. The building is best appreciated from the outside on Rooseveltova Street, where you can see the full façade without having to buy a ticket.