| Built in 1869 according to the design of Aleksandar Bugarski, the most productive architect of Belgrade in the XIX century. The decision to construct a special building for the theatre was made by Knez Mihailo Obrenović. The building was a typical theatre building of the time and was particularly reminiscent of La Scala, Milan, with regard to its Renaissance conception and the decorative finish. Later reconstructions, completely changed the original appearance. The heavy reconstruction was made in 1986 when the theatre regained the 1922 look and an annex was built towards Braće Jugovića Street. Beside theatrical purposes, the hall has been used for charity balls and concerts during the XIX century. The Great Constitutional Assembly adopted the famous 1888 Constitution in this building.
Since its inception in 1868, The National Theatre in Belgrade has been fostering finest Serbian culture and tradition. Today, it hosts three artistic ensembles of Opera, Drama and Ballet under the same roof. The National Theatre productions are given on two auditoriums at the main Belgrade square-Main stage seating 700, and Rasa Plaovic stage seating 300 spectators. Including guest programmes, the National Theatre in Belgrade shows more than 600 runs per year for the audience of almost 150 000 spectators.
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