Top 10 Interesting Facts about Croatian National Theatre, Zagreb

Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb by Mark Ahsmann – Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Croatian National Theatre, Zagreb

The official name of various state-funded theaters in Croatia is the Croatian National Theatre. Some of these theaters are found in the nation’s largest cities, including Split, Osijek, Rijeka, and Zagreb.

There are three smaller theaters with the same name all around Croatia. Including Zadar, Varazdin, and Sibenik.

As stated above one of the larger ones is located in Zagreb. It is referred to as the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. This gargantuan theatre is also referred to by the name HNK Zagreb.

HNK Zagreb is not only a theatre but also an opera and ballet house. It is a popular tourist spot in the city and one of the most ornate buildings in Croatia.

The following are some interesting facts about the Croatian National Theatre found in Zagreb.

1. Evolved from A Theatre Opened In 1834

Another major building found in Zagreb is known as the Old City Hall. It is a complex comprising three buildings found in Gradec, Zagreb, Croatia.

Before, these buildings were combined, there was a city theatre constructed by Kristofor Stanković. The cornerstone for this building was laid on 12th August 1833.

On completion, the theatre was opened and referred to as “City theatre” (Gradsko kazalište) and later “People’s theatre” (Narodno kazalište). The building featured a ballroom and a long gallery.

This remained the main theatre house in Zagreb until 1895 when HNK Zagreb was opened in Zagreb’s Lower Town Area. The government took over the building and combined it with three others which today host city assembly sessions.

2. Established In 1860

Zagreb’s Croatian National Theatre was established in 1860. At the time, the theatre was located at present-day Old City Hall (as discussed above).

In 1861, the theatre started receiving government support. Before this, it was owned and operated by owner and builder Kristofor Stanković and Zagreb’s municipality. Stanković built it as an investment for his lottery money.

3. Moved to The Current Location In 1895

On May 22nd, 1894, the construction of the current HNK Zagreb building broke ground. The building is located at 15 Republic of Croatia Square Zagreb, Croatia.

Construction of the building, supported by both the local and national governments, took just over a year to complete. The new, modern, and current building housing the Zagreb Croatian National Theater was officially opened on 14th October 1895.

4. The Opening Ceremony Was Attended by Franz Joseph I

Emperor Franz Josef of Austria by Bain News Service, publisher – Wikipedia

Franz Joseph I was the King of Hungary and the other Habsburg Monarchy states and the Emperor of Austria. His reign lasted from 2nd December 1848 to 21st November 1916 when he died.

In Mid-October 1895, Emperor Franz visited Zagreb after an invitation from Croatian ban Károly Khuen-Héderváry. Croatian ban is the title given to local Croatian rulers and officeholders.

While he came to attend the theatres opening, the visit was marred by protests against Károly Khuen-Héderváry. The protests culminated in the arrest of the 24 protesters and the subsequent jailing of some including Stjepan Radic.

5. Designed by Ferdinand Fellner and Herman Helmer

Ferdinand Fellner was an Australian Architect born in 1847 and died in 1916 at 68 years of age. Hermann Helmer was a German architect who did most of his work in Australia. Hermann was born in 1849 and died in 1919.

Fellner and Helmer founded an architecture studio together in 1873. The studio was named after the two: Fellner & Helmer. The two went on to design several buildings across Europe including some very popular opera houses and apartment buildings.

In Croatia, the duo designed The Croatian National Theaters in Rijeka (1883-85) and Zagreb (1894-95). Some of their other significant works include; Prague State Opera, and Szeged National Theatre (Hungary).

6. There Are Over 200 Performances Per Season

The Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb remains one of the most relevant theater companies in all of Europe and the world. There are three permanent ensembles hosted in the theater; opera, drama, and ballet while also featuring foreign productions and performances.

The number of stage performances per season is above 230 thanks to at least twelve debuts, twenty reruns, and other productions. As the main national theater, it cultivates a varied repertoire and performs both classical and modern works. This is in addition to staging works by local authors from various styles and eras.

7. Part of The European Organization ‘Opera Europa’

Opera Europa is the leading service organization for professional opera companies and opera-related festivals around Europe. The organization serves 215 members from 43 countries in Europe with the Croatian National Theatre in Europe being among the members.

 Other than Opera Europa, HNK Zagreb is also a member of the FEDORA platform and the European Theater Convention. These organizations have helped the theater achieve numerous cultural collaborations as well as successfully apply for European funds.

8. Renovated Twice

Interior of Croatian National Theater, Zagreb, Croatia by Bernard Gagnon – Wikimedia Commons

Construction of the current HNK Zagreb building became a necessity after an earthquake damaged the old theater in 1888. However, in the over 120 years of existence, the current theatre house has only been renovated twice.

An exceptional fete considering that it has seen two world wars and some natural disasters. The first renovation was done from May 18th to October 14th, 1937. This renovation was necessary for the reconstruction of technical devices.

The second renovation was done in 1967 when the Kola building was connected to the Zagreb Croatian National Theater via an underground corridor.

9. Performances were Live Streamed on YouTube during the Pandemic

A laptop displaying a YouTube page by Tymon Oziemblewski from Pixabay

In late 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic broke out across the globe. The pandemic led to the closure and banning of public gatherings in the world and HNK Zagreb was therefore closed.

However, the enginuity of the officials there ensured that as they say; ‘the show must go on. Collaborating with the daily newspaper 24sata, the theater set up a YouTube Channel. Through the Channel, people were and still can access quality cultural content.

There are some memorable performances available on the channel such as One Song a Day Takes Mischief Away and Ero the Joker.

10. The ‘Well of Life’ Is Found at the Entrance

Well of Life sculpture Infront of the Croatian National Theatre by Icyblues – Wikimedia Commons

The Well of Life also called the Fountain of Life, is a famous sculpture by Ivan Meštrović. Ivan was a Croatian writer, architect, and sculptor from Croatia.

The sculpture was installed at the entrance of the Croatian National Theater, Zagreb. It shows people of different ages crouching and twisting their bodies. The sculpture is interpreted to represent life, youth, and the source of eternal beauty.