Juliusz Słowacki Theatre, Opera house and theatre in central Kraków, Poland
The Juliusz Słowacki Theatre is an opera house and theatre in central Kraków with eclectic architecture and Baroque elements. The façade recalls the Palais Garnier in Paris, while the interior houses several performance spaces, including the main stage and smaller halls in neighboring buildings.
The building was constructed in 1893 on Holy Spirit Square on the site of a 14th-century church and monastery. The theatre received its current name in 1909 to honor the poet and became a center for the Young Poland theatre movement.
The name honors a Romantic poet whose works still appear regularly on stage and shape the repertoire. Visitors experience classical productions alongside contemporary performances in a hall that has embodied Kraków's theatre culture for over a century.
Performances take place on the main stage and in several smaller venues distributed throughout the building and nearby spaces. It is advisable to check which stage hosts your performance beforehand, as entrances differ.
In 1980, the theatre presented the world premiere of Pope John Paul II's play Our God's Brother, marking a notable moment in Polish theatre history. Before that, actress Helena Modrzejewska worked on this stage before gaining international recognition.
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