An opulent Neo-Baroque opera house built for Emperor Franz Joseph's 1894 visit, designed by Fellner and Helmer.
The Croatian National Theatre (HNK) opened on 14 October 1895 in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph I. It was designed by Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer, who built theatres across Central Europe. In front stands Ivan Meštrović's 1905 sculpture, The Well of Life. The interior has gilded boxes. It stages opera, ballet and drama.
| Admission | Free to view exterior; performances ticketed |
|---|---|
| Hours | Box office Mon-Fri 10:00AM-7:00PM, Sat 10:00AM-1:00PM, performances evenings |
| Address | Trg maršala Tita 15, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia |
Why it matters
The theatre embodies Zagreb's identity as a Central European cultural capital.
Site facts
- Built
- 1895
- Architect
- Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer
- Style
- Neo-Baroque
Location
Trg maršala Tita 15, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
45.8085, 15.9707 View on map
Highlights
- Neo-Baroque facade
- Meštrović's Well of Life
- Gilded interior
Tips for visiting
- Check the programme at hnk.hr
- Book tickets in advance for opera
- Dress smartly for performances
When to visit
Evenings during the season.
Accessibility
Step-free access via side entrance; ask at the box office.
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the HNK?
Fellner and Helmer.
Can I tour the interior?
Usually by attending a performance.