News

On January 29, 2025, the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb re-opened the renovated house of drama artist Mila Dimitrijević in Mesićeva street in Zagreb.

The existing four-floor building intended for accommodation of guest artists of the CNT in Zagreb was renovated thanks to the non-refundable EU Solidarity Fund whose funding was used to conduct a structural renovation of the building. The project was financed by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan with special emphasis put on the improvement of structural feature of the building, especially in the aspect of energy efficiency. The house was decorated with the funds taken from the state budget. The house was given to the CNT in Zagreb in 1988 according to the will of Mila Dimitrijević and after the earthquake in 2020, the house has been successfully renovated with a goal of preserving cultural and historical values.

Mila Dimitrijević in every aspect dedicated her life to the theatre. She was one of our greatest actresses, endlessly talented and charismatic, convincing in her every interpretation of the most complex female characters. We are honoured that Mila Dimitrijević gave her talent, humour and exceptional energy to the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, as a member of the ensemble, standing out in numerous performances, said the general manager Iva Hraste Sočo pointing out that this valuable building has been renovated after the earthquake and will serve to the community and become a second home to artists of the CNT in Zagreb and its guests. I thank the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of Culture and Media led by minister Nina Obuljen Koržinek for making it possible to realise this valuable project, concluded Iva Hraste Sočo.

By renovating such buildings we are thankful, this time to artist Mila Dimitrijević, and we remember other artists who have given their houses to institutions, said the Minister of Culture and Media Nina Obuljen Koržinek and expressed her satisfaction that the unfortunate situation of the earthquake was used in a wise manner and has given the central national theatre an opportunity to function under much better conditions.
We are investing at three locations, the first phase of the reconstruction of the main building has been completed, today we have opened the house of Mila Dimitrijević and the most demanding project in Adžijina street in which we are renovating workshops and holdings and building a new stage is under way. This will be a historical step for the CNT in Zagreb and for the Croatian theatre stage and culture as a whole. I wish this house to be a true home to artists who will stay here, said minister Obuljen Koržinek.

Mila Dimitrijević (1877 — 1972) was one of the most famous and influential actresses in Croatian theatre. Already in early childhood she expressed exceptional interest for theatre and the arts. The crucial turning point in her life happened when she was 13. She saw a performance of a touring company of Đorđe Protić and at the age of 16 joined that company. In 1894, during her appearance in a performance in Karlovac, she drew the attention of Mišo Dimitrijević, the drama principal of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. Dimitrijević, recognised her exceptional potential and immediately recommended her to the theatre's general manager Stjepan Miletić. The same year Mila became a member of the CNT ensemble and advanced due to her dedication and undisputable talent.