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Croatia’s National Theatre in Split (1893) by Dennis Jarvis – Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Outstanding Facts about Split Croatian National Theatre

Croatian National Theatre is the official name that several state-funded theatre houses in Croatia are given. Some of these theater houses are located in the country’s biggest cities including Osijek, Rijeka, Zagreb, and Split.

The Croatian National Theatre in Split, also known as “HNK Split”, is located in Split, the second largest city in Croatia. Although this theatre house is not one of the largest, it is one of the oldest surviving theatres in Dalmatia and Croatia at large.

HNK Split was officially opened in 1893 and is operated and owned by the Split municipality. This article will look into some interesting facts about this timeless theatre house in Split.

1. Constructed In 1893

In 1983, the theatre was opened as the Split Municipal Theatre. Construction was done under mayor Gajo Bulat’s tenure.

The theatre was used to host traveling performers and performances by Italian artists and entertainers. This was because there were no full-time drama ensembles in Split at the time up until the 1920s.

2. The Theatre Was Designed by Emilio Vecchietti and Ante Bezić

When construction of the theatre was commissioned by Split’s Municipality, two local architects were tasked with designing it. These local architects were Emilio Vecchietti and Ante Bezić.

After the designs were made, the interior décor of the theatre was done graciously by Eugenio Scomparini, Napoleone Cozzi, and Josip Varvodić. Eugenio Scomparini, the most famous of the three, was an Italian painter. He is responsible for painting theatres in Trieste, Gorizia, Treviso, and HNK Split as well.

After construction, the theatre had a capacity of 1000 people. While this might seem like a small venue, it should be noted that at the time Split had a population of 16000 people. The Split Municipal Theatre, as it was known back then, biggest theatre in Southeast Europe at the time of its completion.

3. The Theatre Has Been Renamed and Renovated Severally

At around 1920, professional troupes began to arise in Split. This, therefore, increased the use of the theatre, and subsequently, t was renovated to improve its condition. At the same time, the theatre’s name was changed to “Dalmatian National Theatre”.

In 1928, the theatre was merged with the Sarajevo National Theatre during the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. This merger came with yet another name change as it was renamed to “National Theatre for Western Regions”.

The theatre adopted its current name Croatian National Theatre, Split (HNK Split) in 1940. This was the same year that the theatre started housing drama, opera, and ballet ensembles.

4. Closed In 1941 due to World War II

The Second World War began in 1939 and lasted up until 1945. In 1941, Italian began occupying Dalmatia and parts of what is now known as Croatia.

This occupation meant several parts of Southern Croatia were incorporated into the Governorship of Dalmatia. These were war times and due to new rules, the theatre house was closed. Closure might have been enforced or maybe there was no one to view drama and acts in a time of war.

5. It Was Almost Destroyed in A Fire In 1970

Closed sign by Michael Bußmann from

After the end of WWII, the theatre was reestablished on 1st July 1945. The first season opened in September 1945. One of the performances on the opening night was a play by Croatian author Mirko Bogovic.

The theater performed continuously until February 1970. This was when the building caught fire, almost destroying the theater completely.

It was therefore closed for reconstruction which took almost ten years. Within this period, the houses ensembles performed plays in other venues until it was reopened. The theater was reopened in May 1980.

6. The Split Summer Festival Is Organized at HNK Split

Also known as Splitsko ljeto, The Split Summer Festival is organized at the Croatia National Theatre. The festival was established in 1954. It is the second oldest festival of performing arts in Croatia second to the Dubrovnik Summer Festival.

The festivals last for 30 days between mid-July to mid-August. Included in the event are various events and activities such as classical concerts, art exhibitions, plays, dances, and musical performances. The event is not held entirely at the theatre. Some events are held at other grand venues such as the Diocletian’s Palace.

7. Days of Marulić is Organized at The Theatre

1903 illustration of Marko Marulic by Unknown Author –

 Days of Marulić is a week-long festival in Croatia held in April. The event is held in honor of the anniversary of the publication of Judita. Judita is one of the most important Croatian works of literature written by 15th-century author Marko Marulić.

The festival’s purpose is to showcase Croatia’s achievements in playwriting over the preceding year. At the festival, the Marin Držić Award which is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture is presented to the best author or creator.

8. The Shift Conference Is Responsible for Drawing Youths to The Theatre

Listeners in a Conference by 정훈 김 from

It is a given fact that young people have minimal interest in attending Opera shows and plays in theatres. This is mostly thanks to the development in technology such as streaming services.

However, one thing that has managed to get the attention of a young audience is the Shift Conference. The Shift Conference is a 2-day multistage hybrid conference dedicated to people passionate about software, continuing the tradition of delivering interactive, engaging, and exciting content.

9. There Is a Wide Range of Productions Presented at The Theatre

The Croatian National Theatre Split offers intriguing theatre premieres, opera, and ballet in addition to the conventional repertoire, concerts, and other events. Some of the dramas at the theater include; “Six Characters in Search of an Author” by Italian classic Luigi Pirandello and “An Enemy of the People” by Henrik Ibsen.

There are several operas including those by Italian composers at the theater. Such operas include; Giuseppe Verdi’s “Ernani”, Giacomo Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly”, Georges Bizet’s “Carmen”, and Croatian classic “Ero from Another World” by Jakov Gotovac.

10. Tickets to The Theatre Cost Between 50 and 150 Kuna

National Theater in Split by SchiDD –

Tickets for performances vary from 50 Kuna to 150 Kuna. The value is dependent on seat position, performance, and day or period.

The theater also offers subscriptions that allow individuals to hold and possess rights to seats over a given period of time.