Masquerade Hall

History of the Masquerade Hall is an important part of the history of the Castle. The Masquerade Hall is a masterpiece of the Rococo period. The Architect Andreas Altomonte was designated to oversee the building reconstruction of the Hall; Josef Lederer was responsible for painting the walls in 1748. The main theme of the paintings is a group of aristocrats enjoying themselves in the middle of a masquerade festival, where various representations of Italian and French "Commedia del Arte" figures mingle with people in Spanish, Turkish, or other national folk costumes. The artist employed all the potentials of illusive painting style of the Rococo period, using several different plans: one making full use of the space of the room, one highlighting the plot, and the third concentrating on the expressions of the characters. At the doorway are painted two figures of Castle Guards in their ceremonial uniforms which resemble the Castle Schwarzenberg Guard. This principle of an illusion is applied to the painted figures of the actors as well as the aristocratic party, or some parts of the costumes and musical instruments on the balcony of the music players. It is remarkable that the rich depositories of the Český Krumlov Castle contain a number of costumes or musical instruments that most likely served as models for the artist.

The Mirror Hall is the adjacent room (History of the Hall of Mirrors), and was used more for carnivals and festive occasions than for concert and theatre performances.

The Masquerade Hall, as well as the Mirror Hall, served as an area where aristocratic society could gather before performances in the Castle Theatre (Castle Theatre in Český Krumlov). There is a covered passageway connecting the Masquerade Hall, through the Cloak Bridge, straight into the Royal Box and balcony of the Castle Theatre.

There is a brief story associated with the Masquerade Hall. It tells us of a servant who noticed a string of pearls slipping from a lady\'s neck. The servant wanted to keep the pearls, but the two painted Guards emerged from the wall and prevented him from carrying out his petty crime. The frightened servant returned the jewels and remained a good man till the end of his days.

Today, the Masquerade Hall is used in the summer, mainly for concerts. There are also other Cultural and Social Activities at Český Krumlov Castle, taking place within the Masquerade Hall.

Český Krumlov Castle, Masquerade Hall, mural detail

Information on facilities and space rental at the Český Krumlov Castle complex

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