Croatian National Theatre

The Croatian National Theatre, known by its initials HNK, is the principal opera, ballet and drama house of Zagreb, and one of the most handsome buildings in the city. It stands on the north side of Republic of Croatia Square, Trg Republike Hrvatske, on the edge of the Green Horseshoe, about ten minutes’ walk from Ban Jelačić Square and close to the Central Station, and it is surrounded by lawns and flower beds that make its setting especially pleasing.

The theatre building dates from the end of the nineteenth century. It was designed by the Viennese firm of Fellner and Helmer, who built opera houses and theatres across the Habsburg monarchy, and it was opened in 1895 in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph, as part of a grand programme to give Zagreb the cultural institutions of a European capital. The style is neo-Baroque, rich in ornament, with a domed central block, columns, sculpture and a lavish interior of red velvet, gilt and painted ceilings. It is a classic example of the late-nineteenth-century opera house, and its auditorium, with tiers of boxes around a horseshoe plan, is one of the finest in the region. Outside, the building is complemented by the Well of Life, a round fountain with bronze figures by the sculptor Ivan Meštrović, which stands in front of the entrance and is one of his early masterpieces.

The institution is older than its building. Croatian-language theatre in Zagreb goes back to the mid-nineteenth century, and the National Theatre was established as a company that performed drama, opera and ballet, and it has been a focus of national culture ever since. Today, the repertoire includes classics and new works, with its own opera, ballet and drama ensembles, and international guests. For a full experience, a performance at the theatre, preferably the opera or ballet, is one of the best ways to experience the building, and tickets are available from the box office and online.

Visitors who want to see behind the scenes can join guided tours, which offer access to normally restricted areas. The Behind the Scenes tours take visitors through the main theatre building and HNK2, the production complex, where sets, costumes and props are made, and show the history, artistic life and technical craft behind the productions. A combined tour of the two buildings takes about two and a half hours, while a tour of the main building alone takes about an hour and a half, and tickets are priced modestly, with reductions for pupils, students and pensioners.

The exterior can be seen at any time, and a visit of one to two hours is enough to enjoy the architecture and the setting. The theatre holds a strong rating among visitors, who praise both the building and the shows. To confirm schedules, contact the theatre directly. It suits lovers of music, dance and architecture.