The results of the international design competition for the new building that will house the Karol Szymanowski Krakow Philharmonic have been announced. The building will be constructed in the area of Rondo Grzegórzeckie, between Grzegórzecka and Kotlarska Streets and the banks of the Vistula. This is one of the most significant cultural investments being carried out by the Małopolska Province. Approximately PLN 450 million has been allocated for this purpose in the region’s budget.
Krakow Philharmonic – Krakow’s winner
First prize was awarded to the practice K. Ingarden, J. Ewy Architekci sp. z o.o. from Kraków. The jury was impressed by the coherent composition and the well-considered relationship between form, function and construction costs. The design fits well into the context of a city with a strong musical tradition, offering a contemporary interpretation and a new quality of space.
The winning concept stands out for its restrained, elegant form with clearly defined geometry. The façades are shaped by large, rhythmically arranged planes, featuring glazing that opens up views towards the Vistula and the city. The overall impression is one of calm and order, with an emphasis on proportions and a scale suited to the surroundings. The architecture has a balanced appearance and avoids excessive expression, focusing on the clarity of the composition and its relationship with the public space around the building.
An important part of the winning concept is the superbly refined acoustics. Keiji Oguchi of Nagata Acoustics Inc. was responsible for the acoustics in the main concert hall, whilst PAK Pracownia Akustyczna Kozłowski was involved in the remaining areas. The large hall was designed with two levels of balconies, which allowed for large wall surfaces conducive to proper sound propagation. Additionally, the upper balconies were set back from the side walls and slightly angled towards the stage, improving visibility. The jury also noted the unusual layout of the practice rooms and the well-planned logistics of the facility’s operation and the project’s implementation.
The authors of the winning entry will receive PLN 170,000 gross and an invitation to negotiate a single-source contract for the preparation of multi-disciplinary design documentation.
Second place for the Berlin studio
Second prize was awarded to gmp International GmbH from Berlin. The jury commended this project for its clear concept of integrating the building into the cityscape and for utilising greenery and the topography as recreational spaces. Attention was also drawn to the consideration of accessibility and inclusivity. The acoustic potential of the Berlin concept also received high praise. Consultations in this area were led by Eckhard Kahle and Joerg Kümmel. The prize for second place is PLN 100,000 gross.
Honourable mentions for three teams
The Competition Jury also awarded three equal honourable mentions. These were awarded to the following teams:
PITÁGORAS – ARQUITECTURA E ENGENHARIA INTEGRADAS, LDA from Guimarães and SBS ENGINEERING GROUP Sp. z o.o. from Kraków – participants competing as a team
JSK Architekci Sp. z o.o. from Warsaw
PLUS3-ARCHITEKCI Sp. z o.o. from Warsaw
Each of these projects was awarded a prize of PLN 50,000 gross.
Two-stage competition procedure
The competition was announced on 11 September 2025. In the first stage, 35 proposals were assessed, from which five design studies were selected. The authors then refined their concepts in accordance with the organiser’s guidelines. The conclusion of the competition marks the completion of an important stage in the preparations for this investment. The next step will be negotiations with the winner, which are intended to lead to the signing of a contract for the preparation of full design documentation, including the obtaining of a building permit.
The New Krakow Philharmonic after years of waiting
As Łukasz Smółka, Marshal of the Małopolska Province, emphasises, the implementation of this project brings the region closer to the creation of a venue that Kraków’s musical community has been awaiting for over 80 years. The new building is intended to provide suitable working conditions for the symphony orchestra, mixed choir, boys’ choir and children’s ensembles operating under the philharmonic. Planned activities will include symphonic, oratorio and chamber concerts, recitals and festivals. The youngest members of the community have not been overlooked either. An educational programme will be created especially for them, taking the form of concerts and music broadcasts.
The Krakow Philharmonic – a project of immense significance
The construction of the new Karol Szymanowski Philharmonic is of crucial importance for the development of culture in the region. The institution’s current headquarters, located in the centre of Kraków, was not designed as a concert hall and does not meet today’s requirements.
“The new venue is intended to provide artists and audiences with facilities that meet the contemporary standards of world-class concert halls. This will enable the further development of the institution’s artistic, educational and promotional activities, as well as the organisation of musical events of international standing,” emphasises Iwona Gibas from the provincial executive.
Capacity of the new building
The new building will house a large concert hall for around 1,900 audience members and a chamber hall seating approximately 300 people. A spacious foyer capable of accommodating up to 2,500 guests has also been designed. This will be complemented by rehearsal and practice rooms, a recording studio, and administrative and technical facilities. The building will also feature spaces for catering and conference facilities.
Source:Karol Szymanowski Philharmonic in Kraków
Read also: Kraków|Culture|Art|Architecture in Poland|whiteMAD on Instagram
