The theatre's opening performance in 1869 was the play 'Posmrtna slava kneza Mihaila'.
The building was constructed on the site of the former Stambol Gate, a notorious Ottoman-era entrance to the city.
It is one of the few institutions in the Balkans that maintains its own full-time professional opera and ballet companies.
The 1989 renovation significantly expanded the stage area and added the Raša Plaović stage, which is named after a legendary Serbian actor.
During World War II, the theatre continued to function under German occupation, though its programming was strictly regulated.
The facade reflects Neo-Renaissance stylistic elements with subtle baroque influences.
The National Theatre in Belgrade is Serbia's premier cultural institution, founded in 1868 and located at the intersection of Trg Republike and Vasina Street. The current building, completed in 1869 based on the plans of architect Aleksandar Bugarski, underwent significant renovations in 1922 and 1989. It houses three primary artistic ensembles: Opera, Ballet, and Drama. The venue features a grand main stage and a smaller performance space known as the 'Raša Plaović' stage. The theatre operates under the jurisdiction of the Serbian Ministry of Culture and serves as the country's primary hub for classical and contemporary performing arts. The auditorium is designed in a traditional horse-shoe layout, characteristic of 19th-century European theaters. It hosts regular repertory performances ranging from Shakespearean dramas to grand-scale operas. The site also functions as a monument of culture of great importance in Serbia.
The main staircase in the grand foyer provides the best perspective of the theatre's interior architecture.
Book tickets online in advance through their official website as popular performances frequently sell out.
Check the programme carefully to ensure you are booking for the 'Main Stage' or the 'Raša Plaović' stage, as they are in the same building but have different seating layouts.
Arrive early to view the historical exhibits and portraits displayed in the grand foyer.
Do not attempt to purchase tickets at the door shortly before the show, as they are rarely available.
The theatre typically observes a summer break during July and August with limited or no performances.
Formal or smart-casual attire is expected for evening performances; silence is strictly required during the show.
