National Theatre of Szeged was built in 1883 by the famous company of Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer in eclectic neo-Baroque style. 18 months after opening on April 22, 1885, the theatre burned down. However, the reconstruction of the theatre took place in a short time. The Fellner & Helmer has made changes to the original project, taking into account the principles of fire safety. In addition, they adjusted and the exterior of the building. The ceilings of the theatre were designed in 1885 by the famous Viennese court painter Hermann von Kern (1839-1912). The restored theatre reopened on 2 October 1886. The subsequent reconstruction of the theatre was carried out only after 100 years in the 1978-86 period.

The last two decades of the 19th century saw a surge of population growth in Szeged, which was the reason for frequent visits to touring theatre companies. For lack of a permanent stage theatre plays were staged in various suitable for this purpose areas of the city. Since 1840, the city authorities are constantly trying to find funds to build a permanent home for the theater.

In 1878 in Szeged was organized Theatrical Association to raise funds to build a new theatre. Devastating for the city flood of 1879 was a turning point in solving the "theatre of the question". In 1882 the newly rebuilt Szeged appeared bright prospects to acquire their own house. The scenery for the stage were purchased from tragically burned down in Vienna Ringleader. The opening of the theatre in Szeged took place on 14 October 1883 in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph I.