Old Slovak National Theater
Bratislava Region
The Old Slovak National Theater is a Neo-Renaissance building located on Hviezdoslav Square in Bratislava, Slovakia. Built between 1885 and 1886 by Viennese architects Fellner & Helmer, it is one of the most significant cultural landmarks in the city and a national cultural monument. The theater originally opened as the City Theatre and was designed to host opera, ballet, and drama performances. Its interior is richly decorated with frescoes by local painter Kornél Spányik and paintings by Willibald Leo von Lütgendorff-Leinburg. The building features a unique chandelier with 2,532 light bulbs and a historic Ganymede fountain by sculptor Viktor Oskar Tilgner in front. The theater served as the home of the Slovak National Theater until 2007, when a new building was opened, but it still hosts performances of opera, ballet, and drama. The historic venue has a seating capacity of 609 and has undergone several renovations to modernize its technical facilities while preserving its original architectural style. It remains a symbol of Slovak culture and theatrical tradition, reflecting the country's rich artistic heritage.
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Astuce: Visit the Old Slovak National Theater during the evening performances for a captivating cultural experience. It's advisable to check the official website or contact the box office for performance schedules and to book tickets in advance. The theater offers discounts for students and seniors. Summer months and early autumn provide pleasant surroundings around Hviezdoslav Square for a combined cultural and leisurely visit.
Faits intéressants
- •The building was designed by the renowned Viennese architects Fellner & Helmer, who constructed 45 theaters across Europe.
- •The original theater was illuminated by 800 gas lamps and featured a chandelier with 64 lights, now replaced by a modern chandelier with 2,532 bulbs capable of millions of light combinations.
- •The Ganymede fountain in front of the theater was created by Austrian sculptor Viktor Oskar Tilgner in 1888.
- •The theater's facade originally displayed busts of famous personalities including Franz Liszt, William Shakespeare, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, some of which were removed and later replaced by replicas in 2003.
- •The interior murals include allegorical paintings by Kornél Spányik and Willibald Leo von Lütgendorff-Leinburg, depicting themes from Hungarian operas and fairy tales.
Histoire
The building was constructed from 1885 to 1886 during the Austria-Hungary era based on plans by architects Fellner & Helmer and opened as the City Theatre in 1886.
It originally hosted German and Hungarian theatrical companies before becoming the home of the Slovak National Theater in 1920.
It underwent significant renovations in 1935, post-World War II in 1949 to repair bombing damage, and a major restoration between 1969 and 1972 that added a modern technical annex while preserving the historic facade and auditorium.
The theater served as the main venue for Slovak National Theater ensembles until the new building opened in 2007.
It remains a protected national cultural monument and a key part of Bratislava's cultural history.
Guide du lieu
Main Auditorium1886
The main auditorium features a richly decorated interior with murals by local and Munich artists, a large stage with modern technical equipment, and seating for 609 spectators, offering an intimate yet grand theatrical experience.
Ganymede Fountain1888
A prominent fountain in front of the theater created by Viktor Oskar Tilgner in 1888, representing the mythological figure Ganymede, enhancing the artistic ambiance of the theater's entrance.
Facade Busts1886 (original), 2003 (replicas)
The theater's facade is adorned with busts of notable cultural figures including Franz Liszt, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, William Shakespeare, and others, symbolizing the theater's artistic heritage.
Contact
Téléphone: 02/204 942 90