Croatian National Theater, Zagreb

The Croatian National Theatre is a cultural institution in Zagreb that encompasses theater, opera, and ballet performances. Its origins can be traced back to 1834 when the first city theater was established in what is now the Old City Hall. However, it officially became the Croatian National Theatre in 1860 and received government support in 1861, elevating it to the status of other prominent European national theaters. In 1870, an opera company was integrated into the theater, and in 1895, it relocated to its present location on Republic of Croatia Square in Zagreb's Lower Town.

Emperor Franz Joseph I of the Austro-Hungarian Empire attended the inauguration of this new building during his visit to the city in 1895. This architectural masterpiece was designed by renowned Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Herman Helmer, who had previously created several theaters in Vienna. The theater's entrance is adorned with a wall fountain called "The Source of Life" (Zdenac života), which was designed by Croatian artist and sculptor Ivan Meštrović in 1905.

Throughout its history, the theater has been home to numerous prominent Croatian artists. Its initial manager and dramatist was the Greek-Croatian poet Dimitrija Demeter, a key figure in the Croatian national revival movement, with Ivan Zajc serving as the first conductor. Notable figures like Branko Gavella, the renowned Croatian theater director, and Mia Čorak Slavenska, the first Croatian prima ballerina, began their careers at this institution.

Over the years, the theater has welcomed numerous international artists, including Franz Liszt, Sarah Bernhardt, Franz Lehár, Richard Strauss, Gérard Philipe, Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier, Jean-Louis Barrault, Peter Brook, Mario Del Monaco, and José Carreras.

Why You Should Visit:
It is a gorgeous building in a park-like setting, surrounded by other beautiful buildings. If you are lucky, you may catch a performance and get a chance to see its equally gorgeous interiors, too.