150 YEARS OF THE CROATIAN NATIONAL THEATER BUILDING IN VARAŽDIN

The Croatian National Theater in Varaždin has been a standing structure for 150 years. Since its opening, Varaždin established the theater as a strong cultural institution with the aim of building its status as a prominent cultural center. The building, a true architectural gem and recognizable symbol of Varaždin, was constructed as the first independent project of the renowned Austrian architect of European reputation, Hermann Helmer (Hamburg, 13 July 1849 – Vienna, 2 April 1919). Alongside architect Ferdinand Fellner, he was the co-owner of the company Fellner und Helmer based in Vienna, which designed numerous theater buildings, concert halls, castles and palaces. Since its opening, the theater has undergone multiple renovations and reconstructions, ensuring its longevity according to the highest standards of monument protection. These efforts have made it possible to fully utilize all spaces for grand artistic creations. Varaždin's theatrical scene plays a significant role in maintaining the Croatian theater tradition. Today, the Croatian National Theater in Varaždin, as a national cultural institution, continues to nurture the ideas of its founders about the importance of theater for the city. It accomplishes this through its repertoire concept, preservation of heritage and encouragement of contemporary stage exploration, leading to the realization of projects of high artistic standards. The theater provides a remarkable performance environment and ensures its thematic significance by promoting openness and creativity, thereby continuously increasing its influence in the city, region and country. Since its establishment, the Croatian National Theater in Varaždin served as a place where people connect, develop a relationship with their heritage and engage with contemporary issues. The enthusiasm with which the theater was built continues to thrive today, evident through its exciting theater repertoire. Senka Bulić artistic director of the Croatian National Theater in Varaždin