Construction is underway in the centre of the capital on the new headquarters of TR Warszawa, which is set to add another cultural venue to Plac Defilad. The design is by Thomas Phifer and Partners, APA Wojciechowski and Buro Happold. The building will take the form of a compact structure with a dark façade, creating a contrast with the light-coloured building of the Museum of Modern Art. The project is being led by the City of Warsaw, and work is scheduled for completion in 2029.
New headquarters of TR Warszawa
Construction formally began in June 2025, with the signing of a contract with the main contractor, WARBUD. The first phase of works focused on excavation and the installation of underground infrastructure. Work at a depth of around 11 metres below the surface of Plac Defilad required the use of advanced safety measures and strict supervision. Even at this stage, the impressive scale of the project was evident; it will ultimately cover an area of around 17,000 square metres. The initial cost was estimated at 65 million zlotys, and the budget was subsequently increased by a further 33 million.
TR Warszawa construction schedule
Underground works are expected to be completed in August 2026. Construction of the upper section of the Teatr Rozmaitości in Warsaw, comprising five storeys, will then begin. In 2027, the building will reach the shell stage, and its structure will already be clearly visible in the space of Plac Defilad. The following two years will be devoted to the installation of services and finishing works, which are particularly important and demanding in the case of facilities such as a theatre. The schedule indicates 2029 as the date for the facility to be handed over for use.
Inspiration and design principles
In their vision, the project’s authors drew on the traditions of Greek theatre and the experiences of the 20th-century Great Theatre Reform. The concept also takes into account TR Warszawa’s existing profile and the need to seek new forms of communication with contemporary audiences. The building is intended to function as an accessible and safe space, fostering audience integration and the development of new forms of stage expression. The project involves a very high level of technological sophistication, making the venue one of the most modern theatres in Europe.
The significance of the investment at Plac Defilad
The new headquarters of the Rozmaitości Theatre in Warsaw will house three stages with varied capabilities. The two main spaces can be used independently or combined into a single larger auditorium for around 700 people. The third black-box stage will provide seating for around 160 people and enable the staging of more experimental projects. The project is part of the major redevelopment of Plac Defilad, where new facilities for the capital’s cultural scene are being built.
Source:TR Warszawa materials,Warsaw City Hall
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