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Marin Sorescu National Theatre Craiova

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Marin Sorescu National Theatre Craiova (Romania)

Weather…

The Marin Sorescu National Theatre in Craiova is one of the most prestigious theatrical institutions in Europe, with a rich history dating back to 1850. Its current home is a masterpiece of modernist architecture, designed by architect Alexandru Iotzu and inaugurated in 1973. The building is renowned for its bold, avant-garde lines and exceptional functional space. The theatre achieved worldwide fame in the 1990s through its groundbreaking productions directed by Silviu Purcărete, which toured major global festivals. It is the primary host of the International Shakespeare Festival, a world-class event that attracts top-tier theatre companies and scholars. Named after the distinguished Romanian poet and playwright Marin Sorescu, the theatre continues to be a hub of artistic innovation. It holds numerous international accolades and remains a vital representative of Romanian culture on the global stage.

Location: Dolj, Romania
Top sights: Art Museum · Ioan Maiorescu · Museum of Oltenia. Natural Sciences Department
Nearby: Balș (25 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-2	1	6	12	17	22	24	24	19	12	6	0
Rain mm	44	40	47	49	75	84	71	50	54	59	50	52

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Recognized as a major cultural hub, the building's striking modernist architecture can be viewed anytime, but the stage areas are reserved exclusively for theatergoers and scheduled tour groups.

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Typical hours

Typical operations see the ticket counter open during standard daytime hours throughout the week, while the building itself comes alive in the late afternoon and evening for scheduled performances.

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Photography

Documenting the bold, modern exterior forms is highly recommended. However, to preserve the artistic atmosphere inside, strictly no photography or video recording is permitted during the plays.

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Time needed

Engaging deeply with a contemporary or classic stage performance here typically requires two to three hours of your evening, keeping in mind the additional time needed for standard intermissions.

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Combine with

Make the most of your evening out by dining at one of Craiova's nearby central restaurants or taking a peaceful walk around the city's lively central square just outside the venue.

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Getting there

Because of its prominent location in the center of Craiova, the theatre is very simple to reach on foot from most downtown areas or via the city's reliable public transportation network.

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Insider tip

This theatre is internationally renowned for its Shakespeare festival, so if you are planning a visit in the spring, be sure to book well in advance for these highly acclaimed special events.

Geography

Coordinates

44.31970, 23.79420

Facts

The theatre was officially founded in 1850.
The current modernist building was inaugurated on April 21, 1973.
It has hosted the International Shakespeare Festival since 1994.
The theatre won the Critics' Award at the Edinburgh Festival in 1995.
It was named after playwright Marin Sorescu in 2005.
It was the first Eastern European theatre to join the European Theatre Convention.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mihai Viteazul Square Craiova<1 km · NExplore →

Craiova Zoo2 km · SExplore →

Ford Otosan Craiova5 km · SEExplore →

📍Balș25 km · EExplore →

📍Segarcea26 km · SExplore →

Filiași34 km · NWExplore →

📍Piatra-Olt40 km · EExplore →

Brâncoveni Monastery42 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Marin Sorescu National Theatre Craiova (10)

Art Museum🏛 museum

Art museum in Craiova, Romania, housing visual arts collections.

🌐 muzeuldeartacraiova.ro

Ioan Maiorescu

Monument to Ioan Maiorescu in Craiova.

Museum of Oltenia. Natural Sciences Department🏛 museum

Natural sciences branch of the Museum of Oltenia in Craiova.

🌐 muzeulolteniei.ro🕒 Tu-Su 09:00-17:00💶

Carol I

Monument to King Carol I in Craiova.

Statuia lui Mihai Viteazul

Statue of Mihai Viteazul (Michael the Brave) in Craiova.

Opera Română Craiova

Romanian Opera in Craiova, venue for opera and ballet.

Administrative Palace

Administrative palace in Craiova, housing local government offices.

Teatrul Național Marin Sorescu

Theater in Romania, named after poet Marin Sorescu.

"Marin Sorescu" National Theatre Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Romania, affiliated with the Marin Sorescu National Theatre.

Incubator 107

Arts centre in Craiova, supporting emerging artists.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is Nationaltheater Craiova famous?

It is internationally known for its Shakespeare performances and modern architecture.

When does the theater open for visitors?

The foyer opens before performances; guided tours must be booked in advance.

Are there parking spaces nearby?

There are paid public parking spaces available in the surrounding streets of Craiova.

In what language are the plays?

Most plays are in Romanian, often with English subtitles during festivals.

Is there a dress code?

Smart casual is common, but formal attire is preferred for premieres.

Marin Sorescu National Theatre Craiova: where is it located?

Marin Sorescu National Theatre Craiova is located in Dolj, Romania.

Marin Sorescu National Theatre Craiova: what is there to see?

Highlights include Art Museum, Ioan Maiorescu, Museum of Oltenia. Natural Sciences Department.

Marin Sorescu National Theatre Craiova: when is the best time to visit?