Date the theatre was legally founded. Almeida Garrett was instructed for building a National Theatre "in which national dramas could be performed in good conditions".

After much controversy, the chosen site for final National Theatre was on the ruins of the Estaus Palace. It was only in 1842 that Almeida Garrett was able to begin contruction work.

Inauguration of Teatro Nacional D. Maria II

The most well known management may have been the Rosas e Brasão company, between 1881 and 1898, during wich they dared attempt to change the repertoire (the first performance of Shakespeare).

For a long time, the Nacional Theatre was managed by companies of artists. After the establishment of the Republic, the National Theatre became known as the Teatro Nacional de Almeida Garrett.

The longest management was that of Amélia Rey Colaço/Robles Monteiro, which lasted from 1929 to 1964.

The Nationa Theatre was the stage of a raging fire that destroyed the whole building, with the exception of its external walls and main entrance.

The building which we nowdays know, which preserves the original neoclassical style, was totally reconstructed and reopened only in 1978.

The Teatro Nacional D. Maria II was transformed into a public company with public capital, and is now managed by its own administration and subject of the Ministries of Finance and Culture.

The Teatro Nacional D. Maria II was made part of Stateowned enterprises.