Zetski Dom - Old Royal Theatre
Within the framework of the Cetinje Reading Room, the first Voluntary Theatre Society was founded in Cetinje in 1883, although the town did not have a theatre building. In 1884, the society made a decision to launch an initiative to build a theatre. Donor contributions for the construction of the building that will be called "Zetski dom".
Home > What to See > Landmarks > Zetski Dom
Inheriting the tradition since 1884, the Royal Theatre "Zetski dom" is the oldest theatre institution in Montenegro. Having changed its status and organization several times in the past, "Zetski dom" is today one of two national professional theatres. From the end of the 19th century to the present day, the mission of the Cetinje and Montenegrin theatre has remained unchanged - we provide an immeasurable contribution to the theatre industry with meaningful and recognizable productions, the implementation of new forms, as well as guest appearances on the most important stages in the region and beyond. Today, the repertory policy of the Royal Theatre "Zetski dom" corresponds with contemporary theatrical forms and expressions, while nurturing works from the cultural heritage of Montenegro and the world cultural heritage.
South Slavic's Pantheon
According to the project of Trogir architect Josip Slade, this South Slavic Pantheon was completed in 1888. In December of the same year, the first theatre play was performed - "The Balkan Empress" by Prince Nikola I. The theatre had a baroque facade with a clock that was destroyed in a fire during the Austro-Hungarian occupation of 1916-1918. The former interior did not differ from the ambience of any small Central European theatre. Above the hall with a capacity of 250 spectators, there was a ceiling decorated with seven monumental artistic paintings of the muses of art, the author of which was the Czech painter Ženišek, who created a similar decoration in the famous Prague National Theatre. All the most important names of ex-Yugoslav theatre as well as many important foreign artists have been guests in this mythical building. Today, the building serves as the Royal Theatre.
