In 1865 the community „Estonia“ was founded.
 
Plays started in 1871. What followed was sporadic activity. Theatre in its more traditional sense started there in 1895, when musical plays, national pieces, comedies (mostly through song and dance) were directed. At the start of the XX century, more serious drama was being created there.
 
In 1906, under the guidance of directors/actors Paul Pinna and Theodor Altermann, the theatre „Estonia“ was formed, which stayed connected with the preceding community and the Estonian Theatre „Estonia“  until 1940, when they were disbanded by the Soviet authority that regarded it as „bourgeoisie remnant“ and nationalized. „Estonia“ theatre has had many names during its existence, but from 1998 it is called National Opera „Estonia“ and operates as a public institution according to the National Opera law introduced in Estonia in 1997 (modified in 2002).
 
„Estonia“ is always open to fresh ideas and projects. Guest theatres often perform there, also festivals and national events or gala nights are organized there. The goal of „Estonia“ is to preserve Estonian national culture and maintain the values of world culture through professionalism and dedication. The national opera, situated in the city center, is the cradle of the city’s and the whole country’s cultural life.