It was founded by Madlena Zepter, a prominent Serbian philanthropist.
The building originally functioned as the Zemun House of Culture before its transformation into a private theater.
The venue's stage technology allows for the rapid conversion of the space between opera, drama, and exhibition layouts.
It maintains a permanent ensemble while also regularly inviting guest performers from across Europe.
The theater serves as a venue for the annual Zepter International Design Award exhibition.
The interior lobby features a unique blend of neoclassical architecture and contemporary art installations.
Opera & Theatre Madlenianum is the first private opera and theatre company in Serbia, established in 1999. It is located in Zemun, a historic district of Belgrade, within a renovated building that dates back to the 1920s. The venue serves as a multi-functional space hosting operas, ballets, musicals, and plays, often featuring international collaborations. The architecture combines original early 20th-century elements with modern interior design upgrades completed in the late 1990s. It functions as a cultural hub rather than a traditional state-run institution. The main stage is known for its versatility in accommodating both intimate chamber works and large-scale productions. The facility includes a dedicated gallery space for art exhibitions alongside its performing arts venues. It remains a focal point for the cultural life of the Zemun neighborhood.
The main entrance foyer, which retains an elegant, historic staircase and grand lighting fixtures.
Walk through the narrow, historic cobblestone streets of Zemun before your show.
Check the online schedule in advance, as the venue hosts a variety of experimental performances that may differ from traditional repertory theatre.
Consider dining at a nearby riverside restaurant in Zemun to complete the evening, as the theater is within walking distance of the Danube waterfront.
Do not assume there is on-site parking in the immediate vicinity, as the surrounding historic streets are narrow and often pedestrian-only.
The theater typically suspends main performances during the summer season, usually from mid-July through August.
Business casual or formal attire is expected for evening performances; silence is mandatory during the show.
