Architectural excellence in Varaždin: 150 years of the Croatian National Theatre building
- by croatiaweek
- in News
Croatian National Theatre building in Varaždin (Photo credit: Suradnik13/CC BY-SA 4.0)
ZAGREB, September 20, 2023 – Croatian Post will release a new commemorative postage stamp featuring the Croatian National Theatre (HNK) building in Varaždin on September 22, 2023.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of its opening. The author of the commemorative stamp is Dean Roksandić, a designer from Zagreb, and 30,000 copies have been printed. Croatian Post has also issued a First Day Cover (FDC).
(Croatian Post)
The accompanying text was written by Senka Bulić, the artistic director of the Croatian National Theatre in Varaždin.
It has already been 150 years since the opening of the Croatian National Theatre building in Varaždin. Even back then, Varaždin established the theatr as a powerful cultural institution to enhance its status as a thriving cultural centre.
The building, a true architectural gem and an iconic symbol of Varaždin, was designed as the first independent project by the renowned Austrian architect of European fame, Hermann Helmer (Hamburg, July 13, 1849 – Vienna, April 2, 1919).
Together with architect Ferdinand Fellner, he owned the firm Fellner und Helmer in Vienna, which designed numerous theatres, concert halls, castles, and palaces. The theatre has undergone several renovations and reconstructions since its opening, ensuring its longevity while meeting the highest standards of monument protection and providing the space for grand artistic creations.
(Croatian Post)
The theatrical life of Varaždin is an integral part of the continuity of Croatian theatre tradition. Today, the Croatian National Theatre in Varaždin, as a national cultural institution, through its repertoire concept, heritage appreciation, and promotion of contemporary stage exploration, realises projects of high artistic caliber, continuing the ideas of its founders regarding the significance of theatre for the city.
The theatre offers an impressive performance environment and secures its programmatic importance by promoting openness and creativity, thus constantly expanding its influence in the city, region, and country.
Since its inception, the Croatian National Theatre in Varaždin has been not only a creative space but also a place where people connect, cultivate their heritage, and engage with modernity.
(Croatian Post)
The enthusiasm with which the theatre was built still endures today, reflected in its exciting theatrical repertoire.
