CNT2

With the historic opening of HNK2 (CNT2), the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb has gained a new stage and entered a significant new phase of its development. Conceived as a contemporary theatre space, CNT2 arose from a genuine need for a venue in which Drama, Opera and Ballet can meet, collaborate and grow.

Located in Božidar Adžija Street, CNT2 was completed in September 2025 and officially inaugurated on 3 November 2025 during the mandate of the General Manager and Artistic Director, Iva Hraste Sočo, PhD. The project was initiated by the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia with the support of the Government of the Republic of Croatia. The comprehensive renovation of the theatre complex and the construction of the new stage, valued at 45 million euros, were financed from the State Budget of the Republic of Croatia.

Following the earthquakes that severely damaged numerous buildings in Zagreb in 2020, the necessary reconstruction of the theatre complex became an opportunity for transformation and renewal. The renovated spaces were conceived as an open and vibrant theatrical environment in which audiences not only attend performances but also gain insight into the creative process. Through organised tours, visitors are invited into workshops and production areas, discovering the world behind the scenes and the quiet, precise and often invisible work of the many professionals without whom theatrical art would not be possible.

The CNT2 auditorium, with a capacity of up to 350 seats, has been designed as a versatile, multi-purpose venue for contemporary drama, chamber opera, ballet productions and innovative new works attuned to the sensibilities of today’s audiences. From the earliest design phase, particular care was taken to ensure that a substantial part of the repertoire can be performed on both CNT2 and the historic main stage.

With two equally significant stages, the historic building on Trg Republike Hrvatske and CNT2 in Božidar Adžija Street, the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb opens itself to new artistic experiences, a richer repertoire and an even closer dialogue with its audiences.