The old building of the Slovak National Theater (SND) is one of the most important and iconic cultural monuments of Bratislava. It is located on Hviezdoslav Square, in the center of the city, and is an integral part of Bratislava's architecture and cultural life.
The old SND building was built between 1884 and 1886 according to the design of the famous Viennese architectural duo Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer, who specialized in the construction of theater buildings throughout Europe. The building is an example of the Neo-Renaissance style with Neo-Baroque elements, and on its facade you can find rich decorative elements that are typical of this architectural direction.
The theater was originally built as the City Theater and served for German and Hungarian theater companies, since at that time Bratislava (then Pressburg/Pozsony) belonged to Austria-Hungary. Only after the creation of Czechoslovakia in 1918 did the building become the seat of the Slovak National Theatre.
The interior of the old building is as impressive as the exterior. The main hall is decorated with beautiful frescoes and stucco paintings, while a magnificent chandelier in the center adds majesty to the space. The capacity of the hall is approximately 600 seats, which creates an intimate atmosphere suitable for opera and drama performances.
The old SND building played a key role in the development of Slovak culture and theater. During its history, it has hosted countless important performances, including premieres of works by Slovak authors, as well as international productions. Many famous Slovak personalities, such as Jozef Kroner, Martin Gregor or Emília Vášáryová, started their careers on this stage.
Although the new SND building on Pribinová Street was opened in 2007, the old building on Hviezdoslavov Square continues to serve as an important cultural center. It is mainly used for drama performances and operas, while its historical value and charm continue to attract spectators and tourists.