National Theater of Northern Greece web portal

Overview

The National Theatre of Northern Greece is one of the country’s most prominent cultural institutions, presenting theatrical performances, festivals, and educational programs. The project involved the creation of a comprehensive digital portal designed as a hub for information about the theatre’s programme, culture and education. The platform integrates diverse digital experiences, connecting audiences, researchers, and artists through a unified ecosystem. This solution modernizes the theatre’s digital presence while preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage through innovation.

Objectives & Challenges

The main objectives were to create a faster, more user-friendly platform that enhances audience engagement and increases online ticket sales. The project aimed to deliver a modern design with improved aesthetics, usability and accessibility ensuring security and data protection. A key challenge was to broaden the theatre’s cultural services, integrating virtual technologies and digitization initiatives while maintaining the institution’s artistic identity and legacy.

Solution

Our approach focused on a user-centered and technology-driven process, combining research, design, and development in close collaboration with the theatre’s team. We began by analyzing audience needs and institutional goals to define a clear digital strategy. Through iterative design, we crafted an intuitive user experience and a visually cohesive interface. On the technical side, we implemented a flexible architecture and optimized performance to support the portal’s complex content and services. This holistic approach ensured a solution that is both innovative and sustainable, aligning technology with the theatre’s cultural mission.

Workflow

The project followed a collaborative and agile workflow, ensuring continuous alignment between design, development, and the theatre’s curatorial and technical teams. Each stage was approached iteratively, allowing for testing, feedback, and refinement. This process guaranteed that all functional goals were met, while maintaining flexibility for future expansion of digital services.

Tech stack

• .NET Framework – for backend development and portal logic
• SQL Server – for secure, scalable data management
• Omeka – for digital collections, archives, and metadata handling
• Real-time Data Access – for dynamic content updates and live programme information
• Matterport Integration – for immersive 3D visualization of spaces and artifacts
• RESTful APIs – for interoperability between modules and external systems
• ElasticSearch – for advanced search and content discovery
• Azure Cloud Services – for hosting, scalability, and performance optimization
• Secure User Authentication and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

Features

The portal brings together a wide range of features, creating a unified digital environment. Designed to serve visitors, researchers, and educators alike, it provides access to rich content and dynamic services that extend the theatre’s impact beyond its physical stage. Key features include:

• Programme & Tickets – up-to-date schedule of performances with integrated online booking system.
• Archive Database – comprehensive repository of the theatre’s productions, records, and documentation.
• Virtual Guide – interactive digital navigation experience for online and on-site visitors.
• Archive Image, Video & Sound Digitization – preservation and online access to the theatre’s audiovisual heritage.
• Educational Apps – engaging digital tools and games supporting cultural learning.
• Digital Exhibitions – curated online and hybrid exhibitions blending technology with performing arts heritage.

Results & impact

• 60% faster page loading time, ensuring seamless navigation across devices
• Migration to Greece’s National G-Cloud infrastructure, providing higher capacity, stability, and data security
• 35% increase in online ticket sales following the portal launch
• Significant growth in user engagement through interactive and educational digital services
• Complete digitization and structured organization of archival data for public and research access
• Improved accessibility compliance (WCAG 2.1) and multilingual support for broader audience reach
• Modular, scalable architecture, ready to integrate future digital and cultural initiatives