‘Amphitheatre 2.0’. Stage life returns after the renovation of the monument
The Amphitheatre is back as a historic stage, the main venue for outdoor cultural events in the Royal Łazienki Park and one of the capital’s most important spaces for artistic performances. The 18th-century monument has now been opened to the public following a comprehensive conservation renovation. The inaugural concert took place on 8 May 2026, while new performances and a festival, among other things, are scheduled for the coming weeks.
The Amphitheatre, situated on the banks of the South Pond, is a stone auditorium in the shape of a semicircle, connected to the stage by a water channel. A composition of typical Roman architectural elements surrounds the scene on three sides. Over the years, due to its structure and location on an artificial island, the Amphitheatre has suffered increased deterioration. A comprehensive renovation was needed. The two-year work was preceded by detailed conservation surveys and building expertise which allowed to carry out a comprehensive revitalisation of the monument. As a result, the building has regained its former glory.
The Amphitheatre was built in 1790 to a design by the royal architect Jan Chrystian Kamsetzer. The opening ceremony took place on 7 September 1791 with a performance of the ‘Cleopatra’ historical ballet. Since then, the Amphitheatre has been one of the most important outdoor cultural stages in Warsaw.
In its long history, the 18th-century monument has been the venue for a rich artistic and educational programme. This unique space hosted theatre performances inspired by the tradition of ancient theatre and the Enlightenment legacy of King Stanisław August, classical music concerts, opera and oratorio projects and events on the border of various musical genres. The Amphitheatre also hosted festivals and special events, including those accompanying national holidays, which attracted large audiences.
It was also the venue for educational and social activities – workshops, meetings and projects involving young people, families and seniors that combined the history of the site with modern forms of cultural participation. This made the Amphitheatre a space for dialogue and integration.
The opening of the Amphitheatre after a comprehensive revitalisation brings the venue back to stage life. It will be a place where history meets contemporary artistic projects that will strengthen the position of the Royal Łazienki as one of major cultural centres in Poland.
The inaugural concert on the occasion of the opening of the Amphitheatre stage took place on 8 May 2026. During the event internationally renowned musicians Jakub Józef Orliński (vocals) and Michał Biel (piano) performed. The photo coverage of the event can be found below.
Events at the Amphitheatre in 2026:
►8 May – Jakub Józef Orliński & Michał Biel – inaugural concert on the occasion of the opening of the stage of the Amphitheatre following the ‘AMFITHEATRE 2.0’ conservation renovation
►31 May – ‘Bromba in Łazienki’ – audio theatre for children directed by Szymon Kuśmider
►5 and 6 June – ‘Jacques the Fatalist and His Master’ – a show as part of the touring stage in collaboration with Wanda Siemaszkowa Theatre in Rzeszów
►14 and 21 June – ‘Kwiatowanie’ – sung poetry concert in cooperation with Aleksander Zelwerowicz Theatre Academy in Warsaw
►25 June – Gran Partita / Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – chamber concert of the Polish Royal Opera House
►4 July – Jub Dubik – cello concert
15-19 July – Festival of Fredro in the Royal Łazienki Park in collaboration with the Polish Classics Theatre
►25 July – ‘Idomeneo’ / Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – a performance by the Polish Royal Opera.
