Zagreb – City Assembly, Former Stanković Theatre and Old City Hall

This complex, which now houses the Zagreb City Assembly, is actually made up of three different structures that were joined together in the late 19th century. But its history goes way back. As early as 1439, there’s mention of a “council house” here. Then, in 1614, a city judge named Jakov Gasparini turned it into an official city hall. By 1787, it was quite a place, with eight rooms, a kitchen, three prisons, two shops, and a cellar!

From City Hall to Theater and Back

In 1803, the city bought a neighboring house from Count Adam Oršić to expand the city hall. Later, a local merchant, Kristofor Stanković, won big in the Vienna lottery and decided to build a theater. In 1833, the city added a second floor to Oršić’s house, demolished the old city hall, and bought more land for the theater. The cornerstone was laid on August 12, 1833, and Stanković’s Theatre, designed by Antun Cragnolini, was finished in 1834.

A Stage for Croatian Culture

This theater, later known as the City Theatre and then the National Theatre, was a one-story building with three entrances. Inside, there was a ballroom with a gallery, which is still used today for city assembly meetings.

This is where Croatian culture really took center stage! The Croatian language was first heard on a public stage here with Gaj‘s patriotic song “Croatia Has Not Yet Fallen” In 1840, the Kukuljević‘s play “Juran and Sofia,” first Croatian-language play was performed. And in 1846, the first Croatian opera, “Love and Malice” of Vatroslav Lisinski premiered. The ballroom also hosted important sessions of the Croatian Parliament. In 1847, Croatian was declared the official language, and in 1848, the first Croatian People’s Parliament met here under Ban Josip Jelačić.

Changes Over Time

The building underwent several renovations in the 19th century. In 1879, the city hall and theater were connected. In 1897, after the new Croatian National Theatre opened in 1895., the city took over the old theater and turned it into offices. The ballroom was kept for assembly meetings.

Modern Day

In the mid-20th century, the city government moved out, but the city assembly continued to meet here. The building was fully renovated between 1968 and 1975. In 1993, the City Assembly’s professional services moved back in, along with other city offices. And in 1998, wedding halls were added on the ground floor, while the Kaptol and Grič halls were created on the second floor.