News

On September 17, 2025, the acceptance of construction works of the CNT 2 building, the new stage of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb in Božidar Adžija 7a Street has been formally conducted. In the presence of the Minister of Culture and Media Dr. Nina Obuljen Koržinek, the formal papers were signed by the representative of the constructors, the founder of company Kamgrad Dragutin Kamenski and the general manager of the CNT in Zagreb Dr. Iva Hraste Sočo. The final preparations for the mounting of technical equipment and commissioning are under way.

The new stage, the CNT2, as an integral part of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, represents one of the most significant infrastructural and artistic breakthroughs in the recent history of this national theatre. With more than 25 million euros from the state budget, the construction of the new building was entirely financed by the Government of the Republic of Croatia through the Ministry of Culture and Media. Located in the former space of technical services, warehouses and workshops, this theatre complex with a new stage brings a completely new dimension to the theatrical life of the central Croatian theatre. Symbolically, the CNT2 will be open in the year when the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb celebrates the 130th anniversary of the building on Republic of Croatia Square, thus connecting a rich tradition and a contemporary vision.

The project, with a total value of more than 45 million euros, included a comprehensive renovation of workshops, warehouses and other spaces, as well as the construction of a new performance stage. The new stage of the CNT2 was designed as a multi-purpose performance space with a capacity of up to 350 spectators, fully adaptable to various artistic genres, from drama and opera to ballet, as well as multimedia performances. Thanks to the telescopic stands, the auditorium is fully mobile, which allows for diverse mounting of sets and ambient settings. The hall is equipped with the most modern lighting, sound and stage technology, including an orchestra pit, which enables the performance of musical and stage works. As part of the project, workshops, warehouses and supporting spaces were thoroughly renovated, which allows for more efficient work of ensembles and technical services and at the same time relieves the main building on Republic of Croatia Square.

On this occasion, the Minister of Culture and Media, Dr. Nina Obuljen Koržinek said she was very proud that the long-standing problem of the new stage of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb was finally resolved during her term. We are proud to have initiated and implemented a strategic cultural investment, a project of national significance that strongly contributes to the cultural development of Zagreb. Within the complex of workshops and warehouses on Zagreb's Trešnjevka, we have built a new stage for the central national theatre that has been awaited for decades, and it will open in the year in which we celebrate the 130th anniversary of the building on the Republic of Croatia Square. The construction of the new building was fully financed by the Croatian Government through the Ministry of Culture and Media, for which we have secured 25 million euros from the state budget. Additionally, for the reconstruction of the existing holdings complex damaged in the earthquake, we have secured almost 20 million euros from the EU Solidarity Fund and the state budget. This is just one example how, as part of the reconstruction process after the earthquake, we have invested additional efforts and funds to revitalize the existing cultural infrastructure and give it a new life according to contemporary cultural needs.

The general manager of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, Dr. Iva Hraste Sočo pointed out: The new stage of the CNT2 opens an important chapter in Croatian culture as a step towards contemporaneity, a venue that brings broader production possibilities for the central national theatre and greater diversity of repertoire to the satisfaction of our audience. The new hall is equipped according to the most modern world standards. It will enable rehearsals and performances to take place simultaneously on both stages, more performances of our dramas, chamber operas and contemporary ballets, and guest performances by domestic and foreign artists and theatres. The renovation of the space damaged in the earthquake, was used to thoroughly strengthen the structure and adapt it to the highest performance requirements. The new stage is a strategic cultural investment, a project of national importance that strongly contributes to the cultural development of our capital.

The CNT2 will officially be opened in early November 2025 with a special artistic event, Celebration of Art 2.0 (Slava umjetnosti 2.0), in which the ensembles of Drama, Opera and Ballet of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb will participate, marking the symbolic union of the two scenes and a strong step into a new theatrical chapter.