A new building of Skopje's 'Old Theatre' was formally opened and handed over Friday to the Macedonian National Theatre (MNT).

The new building, which meets the highest standards for construction of such institutions, offers possibility for nourishing the art, culture and realizing high-quality performances.

The building, covering 7.200sqm, is designed in many ways to resemble the one that crumbled away in the devastating earthquake of 1963. The large auditorium, include parterre (ground level and two galleries (balconies), with a capacity of 724 seats and the small one with around 213, which is more than the original building held. It is also equipped with an up-to-date  scene technology, which is a must for such institutions.

The theatre is luxuriously decorated, with gilded ornaments inside and outside and statues on the roof.

This day will be registered with golden letters in Macedonia's modern history of culture, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said at the opening ceremony.

Referring to the history of Macedonia's Theatre, Gruevski said that literary Macedonian language was heard for the first time on the scene of MNT, established in 1945. The wish of Skopje citizens to have their old theatre back is now realized, Gruevski said

"Now the Old Theatre is on its place, as it was in the old good times," he added.

He extended gratitude to Culture and Finance Ministers Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska and Zoran Stavreski respectively for their contribution to turning an idea into reality, as well as to all of the project's supporters.

Starting from today, the theatre in Macedonia and its capital Skopje will be made and enjoyed under the same techical standards as it is the case in New York, London or Moscow, Kanceska-Milevska said.

This is the new guardian of the Macedonian culture and tradition, as well as open road to international theatrical events, MNT Director Dejan Lilic said.

The premiere of "Eternal House" - a play by Jordan Plevnes will mark the start of theatre season of the Macedonian National Theatre in September.

The new theatre building, situated on the Vardar River left bank, is constructed on the foundations of the old one.