The Grand Theatre in Warsaw

The Grand Theatre in Warsaw is located at Theatre Square 1 and serves as the home of the Polish National Opera and the Polish National Ballet. Constructed between 1825 and 1833 in the neoclassical style, it was designed by Antonio Corazzi and funded by the city and the government. The inaugural performance took place on February 24, 1833, and the building has maintained its important cultural role ever since. Throughout the 19th century, the theatre underwent several modernizations, including a structural change to steel following a fire in 1883. After World War II, with an estimated 75% of the building destroyed, the theatre was rebuilt between 1947 and 1965. While the facades were preserved, the interior was completely redesigned, making it one of the most modern theatres in Europe at the time. It was officially reopened on November 19, 1965, and continues to attract attention with its rich artistic program and cultural events. The theatre boasts the largest auditoriums, including the Stanisław Moniuszko Hall, which seats 1,905 people. An interesting fact is that a beehive was installed on the theatre’s roof, and in 2002, a sculpture of Apollo’s quadriga was added to the facade. Architecturally, it stands out for its modern stage equipment, including a large stage area of 1,150 m². The Grand Theatre remains a vital part of Warsaw’s cultural life, preserving and promoting Polish opera and ballet traditions.