The most famous theatre in Kraków dominates the Holy Ghost Square space with its magnificent façade. It’s Eclectic in style but at the same times it strongly relates to Polish architecture – it even has mascaron ornaments similar to those from the nearby Cloth Hall. Between 1891 and 1893 Jan Zawiejski was the chief architect overseeing the construction work. The decision to build the theater at this location was really controversial as it resulted in tearing down Medieval facilities of the Holy Ghost Hospital. This was the reason Jan Matejko returned the prestigious “scepter of art reign” awarded to him by the authorities – he didn’t wish to “reign over art” in a city that had no respect for historical heritage… Despite all that the theatre – funded by the community – was completed and dedicated to Aleksander Fredro. It wasn’t until 1909, on the 100th anniversary of Juliusz Słowacki’s birthday, that the building was rechristened to commemorate the great poet.
Juliusz Słowacki Theater is famous for the curtain made by Henryk Siemiradzki. Its interior can be toured with a local guide – in that case tourist also gain access to a dressing room that served such renowned actors as Ludwik Solski or Juliusz Osterwa.
It was in this theatre’s stage where Stanisław Wyspiański’s “Wesele” had its premiere in 1901. And even before that, in 1896, the first movie showing in Poland took plece here.