Croatian National Theatre Ivan pl. Zajc in Rijeka, Neo-Renaissance theatre building in Rijeka, Croatia
The Croatian National Theatre Ivan pl. Zajc is a building with a neo-Renaissance exterior and neo-Baroque interior decorations that accommodates roughly 677 spectators across multiple levels. The stage is equipped with modern systems for opera, ballet, and drama productions.
The building was designed by architect Ferdinand Fellner and opened on October 3, 1885, with Verdi's Aida marking the inaugural performance. It replaced an earlier theatre structure from 1765 and became a cultural hub for the city.
The ceiling paintings inside the foyer include works by Franz Matsch and brothers Gustav and Ernest Klimt, bringing Vienna's artistic traditions into the space. These decorative elements frame the experience of arriving at performances.
The theatre presents opera, ballet, drama, and concert performances throughout the year in both Croatian and Italian languages. Visitors should be prepared for multiple staircases and levels when finding their way to seating areas.
The theatre was equipped in the early 1880s with a revolving stage and ventilation system that represented advanced engineering for its time. These technical innovations allowed for more complex productions and improved comfort for audiences.
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