Culture & Events

International Chopin Festival

The Chopin Festival is the cultural highlight of the year. Since 1960, world-renowned pianists have come to Marienbad every August to perform in the town's most atmospheric venues: the Casino, the Nový Lázně and the Main Colonnade. The festival commemorates Chopin's stay in the summer of 1836 and has become one of Europe's most prestigious piano festivals.

Concerts, masterclasses, competitions and film screenings form a week-long programme that attracts music lovers from around the world. Tickets are in high demand — early booking recommended.

Town Theatre (Městské divadlo)

The neoclassical Town Theatre, built in 1868, offers a year-round programme of opera, ballet, drama and concerts. The intimate format — the hall seats approximately 400 guests — makes every theatre visit a special experience. Guest performances by national and international ensembles complement the local programme.

Casino (Společenský dům)

The Casino is one of the town's finest buildings — a Neo-Renaissance masterpiece that serves as a cultural and events centre. The magnificent ballroom hosts concerts, balls and exhibitions. The atmosphere alone is worth a visit.

Singing Fountain

The Zpívající fontána in front of the Main Colonnade is Marienbad's most iconic landmark. Every odd hour (7am–7pm in season), water dances in time to music — from Dvořák and Chopin to popular melodies. The evening performances with light effects after dark are particularly impressive.

Museums

• Městské muzeum (Town Museum) — The history of Marienbad from marshy valley to world-class spa resort. Historical spa equipment, photographs, guest books of famous visitors.
• Goethe House — Memories of the poet's stays and his love for Ulrike von Levetzow.
• Geological Museum — The science behind the springs and the volcanic history of the region.

5 Years World-Class — the UNESCO anniversary

In 2026 Mariánské Lázně celebrates the fifth anniversary of its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Together with Karlovy Vary and Františkovy Lázně, the town belongs to the Great Spa Towns of Europe — 11 towns in 7 countries. The region marks the anniversary with celebrations on 11–13 September 2026, opened in Mariánské Lázně on Friday 11 September with the Heritage Forum conference and a festive evening. See the programme and background on the 5 Years World-Class page.

Seasonal Events

• Spring: Opening of the spa season, first outdoor concerts
• Summer: Chopin Festival, Singing Fountain, open-air concerts
• Autumn: Goethe Days, harvest festival, autumn concerts
• Winter: Advent markets, Christmas concerts, New Year's Eve gala

Architecture

Marienbad itself is an open-air museum of architecture: Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Baroque, Art Nouveau and Classicism stand in harmonious coexistence. Guided architecture tours are available through the Tourist Information Centre. Highlights include: the Main Colonnade (1889), the Church of the Assumption, Ensana Nové Lázně and the Art Nouveau villas along Třebízského ulice.