Istrian National Theater, Theatre building in Pula, Croatia

The Istrian National Theater occupies the former Politeama Ciscutti, a multi-purpose building designed by Ruggero Berlam for Pietro Ciscutti. Its large hall has 560 seats: a 259-seat parterre ringed by twelve mezzanine boxes of six seats each, a first floor above, and a three-part balcony with 37, 83 and 37 seats. An orchestra pit separates stage and parterre.

The building was constructed in 1871 under the name Politeama Ciscutti, after its founder Pietro Ciscutti. The design came from architect Ruggero Berlam, whose work established the structure that continues to serve the community today.

The theater serves as a gathering place where local and visiting artists perform opera, ballet, and dramatic works throughout the year. It plays an important role in how residents connect with performing arts and celebrate the region's creative traditions.

Check the current program before visiting, as performances change throughout the year and not all times work for every visitor. The building sits in the city center, making it easy to reach on foot and well marked on local maps.

On 28 November 1896, less than a year after Paris and a month after Zagreb, the first "moving picture" screening in Pula took place in this building, then called Politeama Ciscutti. Travelling cinemas such as Edison's and Buffalo Bill's also performed here, and the first Croatian films were shot in Pula soon after.