The National Theater was built between 1895 and 1901 in plans made by the German architect Hernest Ziller. It served as the official royal theater for the King's invitees until 1908 when it was given for public use. In 1924 it was renamed and from "Royal Theater" was thereafter called "National Theater." The original internal installations for the stage facilities, the lighting and heating were among the most sophisticated of the kind for their times, designed by Viennese mechanics and constructed in Pireus' factories.