Step into history at the Croatian National Theatre in Split (HNK Split), one of the oldest surviving theatres in Dalmatia and a premier cultural landmark of the Mediterranean. Originally opened in 1893 as the Split Municipal Theatre during Mayor Gajo Bulat's tenure, this historic venue was designed by local architects Emilio Vecchietti and Ante Bezić, featuring interior decoration by Eugenio Scomparini, Napoleone Cozzi, and Josip Varvodić. At its opening, it held a capacity of 1,000 visitors, making it the largest theatre in Southeast Europe at the time.
After surviving a devastating 1970 fire and reopening in 1980, it remains owned and operated by the City of Split. Today, you can experience a vibrant performing arts culture, as the venue hosts around 300 annual performances for roughly 120,000 audience members. Attend one of the 20 to 40 opera, ballet, and drama productions staged each year, or enjoy a symphony concert performed by the theatre's in-house orchestra.
The institution also organizes two major annual festivals: the month-long Split Summer Festival featuring open-air concerts and historic venues like Diocletian's Palace, and the week-long Days of Marulić festival celebrating Croatian playwriting every April.
What to see at Croatian National Theatre in Split
- One of Dalmatia's oldest surviving theatre houses, originally opened in 1893
- Staging 20 to 40 opera, ballet, and drama productions every year
- In-house orchestra performing symphony concerts to a total annual audience of 120,000
- Host of the Split Summer Festival, featuring open-air performances and events at historic sites
- Organizer of the April Days of Marulić festival honoring top Croatian playwriting
Visiting tips
Plan your trip between mid-July and mid-August to experience the Split Summer Festival's open-air concerts, modern dance, and historic venue performances.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Evening
How to get there & what’s nearby
Croatian National Theatre in Split is easy to reach on Split’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Salona. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Split travel guide.
See the full Split travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.