Grand Theatre—National Opera

This magnificent edifice was built between 1825 and 1833. Destroyed during World War II, it was reconstructed with the original façade preserved, and reopened in 1965. The Grand Theatre—National Opera is one of Poland’s most important theatrical venues, staging the most outstanding opera and ballet performances as well as hosting other prestigious cultural events. Today the theatre is open to visitors. During the one-hour tour, you can view its grand interiors, get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of places usually kept beyond the gaze of audiences, and hear the fascinating story of the theatre’s history and the people who created it.

The décor of the Main Foyer makes a truly striking impression. Little wonder, as it was once home to the Imperial Box. Further on, you will see the Reduta Rooms, named after the masquerade balls that were once held there. These are the only rooms in the theatre to have retained their original appearance from 200 years ago. The 1,800-seat Stanisław Moniuszko Hall has a much shorter history. Its construction coincided with the first manned space flight, which is referenced in the intricate pattern on the ceiling resembling lunar craters.

Next, you will stand on Europe’s largest opera stage, with a total surface area of 1,150 m². Among the sights usually hidden from audiences is the huge stage machinery. An additional revolving stage, trapdoors and huge stage elevators enable spectacular effects. In the opera ‘Carmen’, a seven-metre-high bull made an appearance on the set, and in a performance of ‘Madame Butterfly’, Japanese junks sailed around the stage.

If you are passionate about architecture, take the special interior design tour. It offers a closer look at the details and decorations of the theatre’s most spectacular spaces, tells the inside story of the building’s reconstruction and the history of the architects and artists who gave the interiors their unique character.

Detailed information and tour times can be found at dedicated page. 

Having become acquainted with the seat of such esteemed institutions as the National Opera and the Polish National Ballet, why not enjoy a performance?