Monumental Theater

Lendava is a border town in the far northeast of Slovenia where Slovene and Hungarian are both official languages, and the Theatre and Concert Hall Lendava, called the Monumental Theater by some visitors, is the place where the two cultures meet on stage. The building is a cultural landmark of the town, unmistakable among the surrounding streets because of its organic forms and sweeping roofline, and it is a major venue for the arts in Prekmurje. The hall seats just over four hundred people, a size that gives performances an intimate feeling while still allowing for large productions.

The programme is varied. Classical concerts, theatre in both Slovene and Hungarian, dance, opera visits by touring companies, children's shows, conferences and local festivals all take place here during the year, and an open-air summer stage extends the season into the warmer months. The bilingual character of the town is visible in the programme, with Hungarian-language drama and music given as much prominence as Slovene work. If your visit coincides with an evening performance, it is worth attending, even if you do not follow the language, because the setting and the audience are part of the experience. Ask at the box office or on the theatre's website for the schedule, as performances are concentrated on certain evenings and the building is otherwise quiet during the day.

The location is convenient. The theatre stands near the city park in the centre of Lendava, and it is close to other places that tell the story of the town. The Lendava Synagogue, a protected cultural monument built in the nineteenth century, is a short walk away and is a reminder of the Jewish community that once lived in the town and was largely destroyed in the Holocaust. Nearby, the Galerija-Muzej Lendava shows exhibitions on the ethnology and folk art of the region, including textiles and sacred art. The Lendava Castle Museum and Gallery, the Hungarian Community Centre and the Vinarium Tower can easily be added to a walking route, and the St Catherine Parish church is close by.

Visitors can usually see inside the building outside event times by arrangement, and the box office is open on weekdays, with extended hours on performance evenings. Check the opening times on the day, as they may change.

The theatre suits music and theatre lovers and anyone interested in how architecture and minority culture shape a small town. Pair it with the wine hills outside Lendava, a short drive away, for a full day in the borderland. Inside, the hall has a warm acoustic. Located in the middle of town, it is easy to find. Whether you attend or only admire the exterior, Lendava’s theatre is worth a stop.