130 YEARS OF THE CROATIAN NATIONAL THEATER BUILDING IN ZAGREB

The Croatian National Theater in Zagreb, the central national theater of the Republic of Croatia, began its activity in 1834 at St. Mark’s Square, and since 1895 it has operated in its current representative theater building, the construction of which lasted only sixteen and a half months. The building, designed by Viennese architects Hermann Helmer and Ferdinand Fellner, was officially opened by Emperor Franz Joseph I on 14 October 1895, with a symbolic strike of a silver hammer above the main entrance. Over its 130 years of uninterrupted operation, this impressive building has been the stage for more than 4,000 premiere performances of drama, opera and ballet, as well as countless ceremonies, celebrations and anniversaries. The most prominent artists from Croatia and around the world have created and performed there, and the ensembles of the Croatian National Theater have toured across Europe and the globe, contributing to the international recognition of Croatian culture. The Croatian National Theater in Zagreb is not just a theater. It is a symbol of the city, a meeting point of art and citizens and a home to generations of performers and audiences. The building captivates with its monumentality, but also with its warmth, accessibility and its role in the everyday cultural life of the metropolis. The grand 130th anniversary, celebrated under the patronage of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, is being marked throughout 2025 by the Croatian National Theater in Zagreb with a diverse program of events and festivities, looking toward the future with a sense of responsibility toward its rich past. The issuance of a commemorative postage stamp in honor of this anniversary is a symbolic act that affirms its national significance and enduring value in the collective memory of Croatian society. dr.sc. Iva Hraste-Sočo General Manager and Artistic Director