Slovak National Theatre – Historical Building

Why visit

The historical building of the Slovak National Theatre opened in the 1880s to a design by the Viennese studio Fellner & Helmer, who built theatres across Central Europe. It closes the eastern end of Hviezdoslav Square.

Since 2021 the building has been closed for performances because of its poor technical condition, and it is waiting for a full reconstruction. Opera and ballet of the Slovak National Theatre are performed in its new building near the Danube.

What to see

• Façade: a richly decorated neo-Renaissance front with allegorical sculpture.
• Ganymede Fountain: the fountain in front of the theatre, one of the most photographed spots in the centre.
• Hviezdoslav Square: the tree-lined promenade that leads from the theatre towards the river and St Martin’s Cathedral.

Plan your visit

You can see the building only from outside; the interior opens to the public only on rare special occasions.

For a performance, head to the new SND building near the Danube, about a 15-minute walk. The Danube embankment and the Old Town streets are a few minutes from the square.