The National Theatre of Republika Srpska

The National Theatre of the Vrbas Banovina was opened on October 18, 1930. During the first four seasons, an adapted building known as "Sokolana" was used for this purpose, serving only as a temporary solution. The new National Theatre building was opened on November 12, 1934, under the name King Peter I the Great Liberator’s Home. In addition to the theatre, the building also housed the Zmijanje Cultural Society, the Museum of the Vrbas Banovina, and from 1935, the National Library of the Vrbas Banovina.

After the end of World War II, the theatre institution received the entire building for its needs. At that time, it changed its name to the National Theatre in Banja Luka. From the 1946/1947 season, it operated under the name Regional National Theatre, before once agai...

The National Theatre of the Vrbas Banovina was opened on October 18, 1930. During the first four seasons, an adapted building known as "Sokolana" was used for this purpose, serving only as a temporary solution. The new National Theatre building was opened on November 12, 1934, under the name King Peter I the Great Liberator’s Home. In addition to the theatre, the building also housed the Zmijanje Cultural Society, the Museum of the Vrbas Banovina, and from 1935, the National Library of the Vrbas Banovina.

After the end of World War II, the theatre institution received the entire building for its needs. At that time, it changed its name to the National Theatre in Banja Luka. From the 1946/1947 season, it operated under the name Regional National Theatre, before once again changing its name to the National Theatre. It retained this name until 1953, when it became the National Theatre of Bosanska Krajina. Between 1994 and January 1999, it was called the Krajina National Theatre, before finally adopting its current name, the National Theatre of Republika Srpska.

The National Theatre building was the last structure in the planned architectural sequence of Gospodska Street and Ban Milosavljević Street, forming part of the representative urban center of the Vrbas Banovina, which began with the construction of the Banski Dvor building. It was designed by Josif Goldner. The building’s distinctive architecture reflects a combination of different styles, from Neo-Renaissance elements to predominantly Bauhaus features, with final decorative details of folkloric character.

After the 1969 earthquake, the building suffered significant damage, rendering the stage unusable. Shortly after, a major renovation and adaptation of the theatre was carried out based on the design of Vjenceslav Richter. During the 2004 adaptation, the "Petar Kočić" stage with 77 seats was built. The function of individual sections, as well as the name of the building and the institutions housed within it, have changed throughout different historical and political periods.

Apart from the "Children’s Theatre of Republika Srpska," also located in Banja Luka, this is the only professional theatre in Republika Srpska.