National Theatre of Greece was founded in 1880 by a grant of King George I and Eustratius Rallis, hence the fact his first name - Royal Theatre.

In 1881, the streets of St. Constantine began construction. The architect of the project was the famous Greek architect Ernst Ziller, who created many famous buildings of the city (the Presidential Palace, Panathinaikos Stadium, National Library, National Museum of Archaeology, and others). The construction lasted 20 years. In 1890 he became director of the theater Angelos Vlachos, and the artistic director Thomas Oikonomou (Greek theater actor, one of the first Greek contemporary directors). In 1901, on the basis of the theater it was founded a theater school. In the same year, November 24, the theater opened its doors to visitors. At the opening it was presented two plays "The Death of Pericles" Dimitris Verardakisa and "Need servants" Haralama Anninosa.

The theater quickly gained popularity, its repertoire expanded. One of the most famous productions was "The Oresteia" by Aeschylus. In the process of formulation of the linguistic conflict erupted. November 8th, 1903 a group of students led by Professor Giorgos Mistriotisom St. Constantine took to the streets in an attempt to stop the show. As a result of clashes left one person dead and more than a dozen injured. This day went down in history of Greece under the name "Oresteika."

In 1908, the theater fell into decay and was closed for an indefinite period, although still continued touring. May 30, 1930 Decision of the Hellenic Parliament with the support of the Minister of Education and Religious Affairs Georgios Papandreou founded the National Theatre of Greece. In 1930-1931 the building was reconstructed. March 19, 1932 the official opening of the theater. First production was "Agamemnon" by Aeschylus.

The theater is gradually expanding its activities. In 1939 he founded the National Opera as part of the theater. That same year, the repertoire included works by Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and "Othello." Later, it was organized by the mobile part of the theater for the tour of the provinces. And in 1980, the year of the opening of the Children's Theatre of the play by Maurice Maeterlinck "Blue Bird". In 2000, the Summer Academy is open theater in Epirus.

In 2002, the National Theatre of Greece joined the European Convention theaters.