Polish National Opera

The beginning of opera traditions in Poland dates back to the 17th century, when the first Italian opera troupe was invited to Warsaw. As soon as Royal Prince Vladislaus IV Waza, who was the admirer of opera art, ascended the throne, he ordered to build the opera theatre in his castle. That was the place where the first opera performances were given, but only noble persons and the king's close associates were allowed to attend the concerts. The opera singers were Italian professionals.

The first opera performance with participation of Polish singers took place in 1774. This was the beginning of the Polish National Opera. The art of opera became more and more popular, and it became clear that Warsaw needs special theatre for opera performances. The construction works of the National Opera Theatre took place in 1825-1833 to designs of Italian architect Antonio Corazzi. The first performance in the new building, Rossini's "Il barbiere di Siviglia", took place on the 24th of February, 1833. Immediately after the first season, the Polish National Opera began to play an important role in cultural life of Poland. Many works of famous Polish composers were presented here. One of the important parts of the theatre was ballet and chorographical art. On the stage of the Polish National Opera were presented famous operas "Halka" and "The Haunted Manor" by Stanislaw Moniuszko, "Pan Twardowski" ballet by Virgilius Calori, operas by Karol Szymanowski and other Polish composers.

In 1939, when the World War II started, the building of Polish National Opera was bombed and almost completely ruined. Only the facade in the classicism style survived after the severe bombing. During Warsaw uprising in 1944 the remaining walls of the theatre turned into a tragic place, as it was there where the Nazis shot Warsaw civilians. The plaque to the right of the main entrance commemorates the suffering and heroism of the victims of fascism.

After the end of the war the performances were given on the stages of the other theatres of Warsaw, while the building of Polish National Opera was under reconstruction. The restored theatre was opened to the public on the 19th of November, 1965. At that time it was one of the most imposing and best-equipped theatres in Europe, provided with state-of-the-art installations and equipment.

The theatre has two halls: the Main Auditorium, which seats 1,841, and the Emil Mlynarski Auditorium, which seats 248. The former Ballrooms on the first floor, facing the Teatralny Square, contain the only Theatre Museum in Poland.

The Polish National Opera continues its 200-year tradition and produces works by Polish composers and world classics, such as Mozart, Offenbach, Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky and others. Among the most popular performances "La Damnation de Faust" by Berlioz, "Nutcracker" and "Swan Lake" by Tchaikovsky, "La Traviata" by Verdi and other famous works.