Leisure
Theater
The theatre was built in 1868 by the master builder Friedrich Zickler who lived in the
neighbouring house. In 1905, in compliance with new safety regulations, the building was
rebuilt in the renaissance style after design of the architect Alfred Wacher. Further
reconstruction took place in 1967-1977. Although the theatre has no professional company,
it is served by a very talented amateur group with a long tradition. Prague groups such as
the Cinoherni Club, the Ypsilon Theater, Semafor, Na Zabradli and Sklep also take part in
the theatre`s programme. A rich programme of musical events is also organised in the
theatre building. This includes various gala evenings of opera and operetta, as well as
school productions and social evenings. The theatre is also important place for
performances during Annual Marienbad Festival, International Piano Competition, Chopin
Festival and other festivals of music, dance and pantomime.
Symphony Orchestra
The West Bohemian Symphony Orchestra, renowned orchestra, which has its base in
Marienbad, is one of the oldest in Bohemia. It has given regular concerts since 1821.
During the course of the 19th Century, it developed from a small ensemble into a
full-sized chamber orchestra capable of interpreting with distinction all the works of the
symphonic repertoire. The orchestra excels in particular in the performance of the works
of such world-famous Czech composers as Dvorak and Smetana. Since 1954 it has played
throughout the year. Regular concerts take place both in the Casino concert hall and in
the colonnade. Excellent guest conductors and soloists from the Czech Republic and abroad
make frequent appearances. The orchestra has even been known to perform with prominent
exponents of popular music.
Festivals
The Annual Chopin Festival:
The first Chopin Festival was for teh first time organized by the Chopin Society in 1960.
Through the years world famous soloists such as Eugen Indjic and Jean Marc Louisada from
France, Grigorij Sokolov from Russia and Kevin Kenner, Edward Auer and Jeffrey Swan from
the U.S.A. have performed at it. Other excellent pianists, violinists and conductors
enrich its concerts.
The Frederick Chopin Piano Competition:
This competition takes place here every 2 years. The winner is invited back to Marianske
Lazne to peform at a public recital.
The Marienbad Culture Festival:
This Festival takes place during three weeks in July. Guest are offered a varied programme
of concerts, theatrical productions, operas, operettas and so on. World famous artists
like Josef Suk, Jiri Stivin and Lubomir Brabec regularly take part in it.
The Tepla Mozart Festival:
This Festival already has its place in the sun. The main organizer is the Austrian Mozart
Society. The programme exploits the potential of the Monastery, such as the fine organ in
the church and the spinet in the so called "Blue salon". Some concerts are also
held in the Chopin House in Marianske Lazne. Other organ recitals, not in the context of
the Festival, are also given here.
The Festival of Dance and Pantomime:
Those Festivals take place every other year in odd years. Excellent artists from both the
Czech Republic and abroad are invited to perform at it.
Golf
There is a possibility to play golf in Marianske Lazne. Golf course with 18 holes belongs
to the oldest and most beautiful golf localities in the Czech Republic. It is 6178 m long
and its par is 72. See the course plan.
The opening of the Marianske Lazne golf course was conducted by His Majesty King Edward
VII on August 21st, 1905. He solemnly cut the inaugural ribbon, opening the new golf
course after which he signed his name in the memorial book of the course with a golden pen
to become the first foundation member of the Marianske Lazne Golf Club. The golf club in
Marianske Lazne is the only golf course in Central Europe with such a distinguished past.
The King of England loved visiting Marianske Lazne and made a total of 10 trips to the
golf course, the last in 1909.
The American General Patton whose forces liberated western Bohemia had to search
personally for his staff officers who regardless of the war situation had fallen in love
with golf at Marianske Lazne.
After years of neglect when golf during the socialist era in former Czechoslovakia barely
survived, 1989 brought a speedy revival. The management of the golf course returned once
again to the hands of the Marianske Lazne Golf Club. The historical clubhouse has
undergone a renovation, which preserved all its original romantic architectural elements.
The presence of leading polititians of the Czech Republic and many celebrities and
dignitaries from around the world at its professional tournaments bear witness to the
prestige of the Marianske Lazne Golf Club. The Marianske Lazne Golf Club is not only a
sports but a cultural centre as well.
Tennis
Tennis Club, Anglicka 10, 353 01 Marianske Lazne. This prestigious club from the
1930s. Since then it has gradually developed into its present form. It currently comprises
nine clay courts, a club restaurant and tourist accommodation for about twenty guests.
Between 1967 - 1987 the semi-finals of the Gallea Cup were played here and the local
district now hosts the Soisboult Cup. Among many distinguished players who have graced
these courts are those of the quality of Ivan Lendl and Petr Korda. At present the
enterprise is run by Tennis Agens which underwrites all the activities of the Fontana
Club. This agency is also the principal promoter of such corporate tournaments as those of
banks, estate agents, stockbrokers and hoteliers, as well as of the Eurotel Cup held under
the auspices of the Minister of Finance. The club also hosts the traditional Veterans
World Championship. This tournament is held in association with the European Veterans
Championship. Tennis Agens has been appointed by the Czech Tennis Association to stage the
Czech Youth Tournament. The goal of the agency in the more immediate future is to host the
Galea Cup again. Once reconstruction of the entire complex has been completed, further
attractive activities will be developed and optimal facilities provided. It is an honour
for Tennis Agens to welcome not only professionals but also amateurs. Indeed, everyone who
seeks relief from their everyday worries and wants to enjoy their leisure in such a
pleasant manner is most cordially welcome.
Swimming pool
The Lido Open-Air Swimming Pool: Situated only about 5 km from the town centre, the Lido
is a particularly popular place for relaxation in peace and quiet. There are a variety of
sporting facilities in the area. Equipment for table-tennis, badminton, basketball,
volleyball and so on may be hired for a moderate charge. For those who prefer water
sports, the Lido, in its forest setting, is the ideal place. Paddle boats and other craft
may also be hired. A restaurant and sales kiosk are open throughout the summer.
Accommodation is available in 4-person bungalows with standard furnishings and an en suite
kitchen.