Description of the attraction
The Croatian National Theater is located in the city of Zagreb, the capital of the country. The Croatian National Theater is an iconic place not only for theater and acting lovers, but also for connoisseurs of architecture.
The predecessor of the Zagreb National Theater was the first city theater in the Croatian capital, built in 1836. The theater was awarded National status four years later, in 1840. Later, the national theater received state support. Since 1870, a permanent opera company has appeared in the theater.
The National Theater of Zagreb moved to a new building in 1875. Architects from Venice Ferdinand Fellner and Herman Helmer worked on the project of the building. Emperor Franz Joseph took part in the opening of the renovated theater.
The new theater building is a sumptuous combination of Rococo and Neo-Baroque styles. The combination of bright yellow walls and white columns makes it very noticeable. The interior decoration of the theater is also striking in luxury and grace. An important detail in the decor of the interiors is the paintings by Croatian artists.
Celebrities such as Gerard Philippe, Franz Lechard, Sarah Bernhardt, Laurence Olivier, Mario del Monaco, Richard Strauss, Jose Carreras, Peter Brook, Vivien Leigh, Franz Liszt and others have taken part in theatrical, opera and ballet performances in different years.
The Croatian Ministry of Culture patronizes the National Theater. In many cities of Croatia (Split, Rijeka, Osijek, Zadar and Varajin) there are branches of the National Theater.
