How can historic interiors be adapted to meet contemporary standards without losing their character? This is the challenge facing entrants to the architectural competition launched by the Grand Theatre – National Opera. The aim of the competition is to develop a concept for the refurbishment of the Government Box, the refreshment areas and the public toilets in one of Poland’s most important cultural venues. The organiser has decided to extend the deadline for submitting entries to enable a greater number of architectural practices and design teams to take part in the competition.
The aim of the project is to select the best architectural solution, combining high-quality design, modern technical solutions and respect for the building’s historic fabric. The modernisation is intended to improve user comfort, the building’s accessibility and the functionality of its representative interiors, whilst preserving their prestigious character and architectural identity.
More time for submissions
The competition is organised in a two-stage format. The pre-qualification stage runs until12 August 2026, during which design teams submit applications for admission to the competition. Qualified participants will then prepare design studies, with a submission deadline of 21 September 2026. On the basis of these, the Competition Jury will select a maximum of five teams to be invited to the second stage. Detailed competition entries may be submitted electronically by26 October 2026, andin hard copy by 28 October 2026. The competition results are scheduled to be announced on5 November 2026.
195,000 PLN and the chance to see the project realised
The total prize fund amounts to 195,000 zł gross. The author of the winning concept will receive 100,000 zł and will be invited to negotiate, under a single-source procurement procedure, the preparation of the design documentation, which will form the basis for the implementation of the project. The organiser has also provided for a second prize of 50,000 zł and three honourable mentions of 15,000 zł each.
Distinguished names on the jury
The selection of the best concept will be decided by a Competition Jury comprising eminent representatives from the fields of architecture, heritage conservation and culture. A jury composed in this way will ensure a multi-faceted assessment of the projects, taking into account both architectural and functional merits, as well as a responsible approach to the modernisation of the historic building.
The Chair of the Competition Jury is Prof. Ewa Kuryłowicz – an architect, Chair of the Board of the Stefan Kuryłowicz Foundation and Vice-President of the Kuryłowicz & Associates architectural practice.
The following individuals are also participating in the jury’s work:
Boris Kudlička – an architect, set designer and Director of the Grand Theatre – National Opera
Jacek Krych – architect and landscape architect, founder of the interdisciplinary studio JRK72; Natalia Paszkowska – architect and co-founder of the WWAA studio, creator of numerous award-winning architectural and exhibition projects
Michał Krasucki – art historian, specialist in Warsaw history and acting director of the National Heritage Institute
and
Jarosław Trybuś – art historian, architecture critic, exhibition curator and deputy director of the Royal Castle in Warsaw.
The presence of representatives from the fields of architecture, heritage conservation and cultural institutions underlines the significance of the project and its interdisciplinary nature. The competition aims to identify solutions that will combine the contemporary needs of users with respect for the historic architecture of one of Warsaw’s most recognisable buildings.
A project for one of Poland’s most important cultural landmarks
For participants, this will be a unique opportunity to tackle the architecture of the Grand Theatre – National Opera – a venue of particular significance to Polish culture and one of the country’s most prestigious public buildings. The winning concept will form the basis for the preparation of design documentation and the implementation of the project, which will shape the functioning of the Theatre’s representative spaces for many years to come.
Detailed information, the competition rules and documentation are available on the website:
https://teatrwielki.pl/ogloszenia/konkurs-studialno-realizacyjny
source: press materials
photos: Aleksander Małachowski
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