National academic drama theatre named after Yakub Kolas was opened in1926, based on the Studio that existed in the years 1921-26 at the Moscow art theatre named after M. Gorky. It was originally called the second Belarusian state theatre. 21 November 1926 premiere of the first performance of the new theatre on the play by I. Ben "In the old days".

During the great Patriotic war, the theatre was evacuated and worked initially in Uralsk, and then in Orekhovo-Zuevo. In 1944, on his return to his native Vitebsk, for achievements in the development of national culture, the theatre was awarded the Yakub Kolas square. In 1946, for the performance "Nastenka" by V. Volsky, the theatre was awarded the Stalin prize.

In 1958 at the Theatre square (now square the 1,000 th anniversary of Vitebsk) was built theatre. It was designed by architects A. Maksimov and I. Riskyou. The building was constructed in eight-column Doric portico with a triangular pediment. Three-tiered auditorium with stalls and two balconies holds 758 people.

In 1977 the theatre was awarded the academic title in 2001 – national. In 1985, the theatre created an art Studio puppet, which in 1990 gave rise to a puppet Belarusian theatre "Lyalka".

Currently in theater productions both in the Belarusian plays and classical works. In 2012, the theatre opened its 87th season. Theatre Director — honored artist of Belarus Grigory satiko. Artistic Director — honored worker of arts of Belarus Vitaly Barkovsky.