The Musical Theatre in Poznań is now visible above the level of Święty Marcin Street. As recently as May, the structure was at the level of the railway tracks, and now the walls of the first above-ground storey are being erected. In the vicinity of the Imperial Castle and the Academy of Music, one of the largest cultural developments in the city’s post-war history is under way.
The Poznań Musical Theatre is getting taller
Construction, led by Dekpol Budownictwo, is taking place on several levels. The underground level marked –1, where a chamber hall is being built, has already been completed. The ‘box-in-box’ technology used will allow it to be constructed as an independent structure within a larger one. This is particularly important given the busy street and railway tracks, as it will minimise the transmission of noise and vibrations into the hall. Meanwhile, the installation of prefabricated steps has begun in the stairwells, whilst on the lowest level, designated as –2, bricklayers are partitioning off the service rooms.
A design endorsed by several professional circles
Atelier Loegler Architekci is responsible for the original concept, which was selected in a competition in 2019. The design is being developed by the Archimedia practice, led by Krzysztof Janus, in collaboration with the Kraków-based architect Marcin Kulpa. The expressive, geometric form has been retained, but the layout of the foyer, the organisation of the main auditorium and the interior design have been altered. The intense colours have been replaced by a more subdued palette. The documentation was consulted with, amongst others, the city’s conservation officer, the Poznań branch of SARP, the academic community at Poznań University of Technology and the Theatre Council. In addition, noise and vibrations originating from the streets, railways and overflying aircraft were assessed.
A venue for 1,200 spectators
The theatre’s main auditorium will seat around 1,200 spectators and will enable the staging of large-scale musical productions and the organisation of concerts. The intimate ‘black box’ theatre will feature a movable auditorium for 300 people and an exit onto a green square modelled on an amphitheatre. Artists will have access to rehearsal rooms for ensembles and the orchestra, as well as a recording studio. The foyer and restaurant, open to the public, are designed to attract visitors even outside performance times. The basement will also be adapted to serve as a Temporary Shelter for around 300 people.
The Musical Theatre in Poznań sparks debate
Since the competition concept was presented, discussions regarding the scale of the building and its form have shown no sign of abating. This is because the historic buildings of the Imperial Quarter are located nearby, including the Imperial Castle, the Collegium Iuridicum and the University Hall. Although their forms were partially altered during post-war reconstruction, these buildings still provide a stately backdrop to this part of Poznań. The large and distinctly geometric musical theatre will stand out strikingly against this classical backdrop.
The ongoing project coincides with an anniversary: in 2026, the Musical Theatre in Poznań will celebrate its 70th anniversary.
Source:Poznań City Council
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