Croatian National Theatre

The Croatian National Theatre of Split, also known as Hrvatsko Narodno Kazalište (HNK Split), is one of the most important cultural symbols of Dalmatia. Inaugurated on May 6, 1893, the theatre marked a turning point in the cultural and social life of the city. Its construction marked the birth of a modern Split, where the theatre scene became the center of cultural and political life. The theatre was founded thanks to the efforts of Mayor Gajo Bulat, a fervent supporter of the Croatian national idea. His vision was to create a space that could promote Croatian culture and identity in a time when the region was under Austro-Hungarian influence. The building itself, designed in a neorenaissance style, is a monument to the cultural growth of the city and the aspirations of the Croatian people. During its early years, the theatre hosted Italian and international theatre companies, but quickly developed its own local theatre culture. This development was crucial for the promotion of the Croatian language and literature. In 1920, the theatre underwent a major renovation and the first professional drama ensemble was formed, joining forces with the National Theatre of Sarajevo. The theatre has faced difficult moments, including a devastating fire in 1970 that nearly completely destroyed the building. However, thanks to the efforts of the community and local authorities, the theatre was rebuilt and reopened in 1980. This resilience demonstrates the importance of the theatre in the cultural and social life of Split. Today, the Croatian National Theatre of Split hosts around 300 performances a year, including operas, ballets, dramas, and symphonic concerts, attracting a total audience of around 120,000 people. Among its productions are both Croatian theatrical heritage works and masterpieces of international dramaturgy. Additionally, the theatre is home to two important annual festivals: the Split Summer Festival and the Days of Marulić. The Split Summer Festival, founded in 1954, is the country’s second oldest performing arts festival and features a wide range of events, from jazz and classical music concerts to art exhibitions and outdoor theatre performances. The Days of Marulić, established in 1991, celebrate Croatian literature and award the best theatrical works of the previous year. Among the most famous artists who have graced the stages of HNK Split are icons like Boris Dvornik, Zdravka Krstulović, and Asja Kisić, who have contributed to shaping the city’s rich theatrical tradition. Their performances have inspired generations of audiences and have solidified the theatre’s reputation as one of Croatia’s main cultural centers.