Narodno pozorište

National Theater - basic information

In the very center of Belgrade, opposite the magnificent building of the National Theater and the Republic Square, rises the building of the National Theater. Although it dates back to the 19th century, its beauty still captivates today. Of course, you can always come in, watch one of the plays and see for yourself why this institution bears the title of cultural asset.

History of the National Theater
Until 1868, the theater in Belgrade did not have its own main building. Despite that, the performances were performed, mostly on improvised stages, such as in the Inn of the Queen of England. Poorer equipment and inadequate conditions could not stop the actors in their intention to pursue acting. The troupe often had to move, so on the initiative of the Board of Lovers of Public Education and the Theater Board, fundraising began for the construction of the Theater building. Although in 1852 the Government of the Principality of Serbia ceded the land on Zeleni venac for that purpose, due to the nature of the terrain, it was not possible to complete the project. After that failure, Prince Mihailo decided to build a building on the former Turkish plot near Stambol Gate. The construction was completed in a year, and then the entire space in front of the theater took the name Theater Square, marking just then, for the first time, as the main city square, a place we know today as Republic Square.

Appearance of the National Theater
Although the building changed its appearance over the years, when it was originally built, it was very reminiscent of the building of the La Scala Theater in Milan. No savings were made on decorating the interior, so a lot was invested in furnishing according to the then Italian model. The royal lodge was specially decorated with plaster works with gilding, draperies, and a throne. The interior was constantly decorated and beautified. the main theater room was lit by the so-called a chandelier with a hundred candles.

Repertoire of the National Theater
Today, the Theater performs plays, but also operas and ballets. The theater repertoire includes arrangements of villages by domestic and foreign artists, such as Branislav Nušić, Jovan Sterija Popović, Borisav Stanković, Pirandelo, Golsvordi, Bernard Shaw. The theater has its own permanent repertoire, but you can find out more about current performances on the website of the National Theater. Some of the plays you can see at the Theater:

Antigone
Balkan Spy
White coffee
Bollywood
It's important to be called Ernest

How to get to the National Theater?
The National Theater is located in the very center of the city, on Republic Square, across from the National Museum building.
Public transport: Buses 31, 22A, 26, 27, 37, 95 and trolleybuses 28, 29, 41 stop nearby
Taxi: Pink Taxi - 19803; 0800 11 9803; 065 488 99 77 Safe Tax BG - 060 8801010, Lux Taxi -011 3033 123
Working hours of the National Theater
The box office is open on weekdays and Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm and from 5 pm until the beginning of the show, and on Sundays from 5 pm until the beginning of the show.
You can get additional information by calling the box office number of the National Theater 011 2620 946 or by e-mail blagajna@narodnopozoriste.rs