Juliusz Slowacki Theatre in Krakow (Teatr im J. Slowackiego w Krakowie)

Travelers typically visit the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre to watch a live performance; however, it's also possible to step inside the building to admire its architecture and learn about its history during a guided tour. During your visit, you’ll notice opulent design elements, including a chandelier spanning 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) in diameter in the auditorium of the grand stage. The venue frequently features as a stop on Old Town tours, with guided walking, Segway, electric scooter, and golf cart options available. Other stops on these Old Town highlights tours include St. Mary's Basilica, the Cloth Hall, and the Main Market Square.

• The theater is dedicated to ongoing renovations to extend the accessibility of the venue and its performances. It has wheelchair ramps, an elevator, accessible restrooms, and an accessibility coordinator who can assist those with disabilities.

• The attraction is very popular, so it's recommended that you book tickets for live performances in advance to avoid long lines at the box office.

• Given the theater’s central location, there are plenty of restaurants, cafés, and bars nearby to explore before or after a show.

The Juliusz Słowacki Theatre is in a convenient and easy-to-find location in the heart of Krakow, at Plac Świętego Ducha 1, roughly a 5-minute walk north of Cloth Hall. If staying in the Kazimierz district, you can take the #10 tram from Plac Wolnica to the Teatr Słowackiego stop, which is around a 3-minute walk from the venue.

To avoid the big weekend crowds, consider visiting shows during off-peak hours, such as weekday afternoons. Peak seasons for tourists in Krakow tend to be during the summer months of June, July, and August.

A cherished UNESCO-listed building named after a famous Polish poet, the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre attracted controversy when it was erected in 1893. It was built on top of medieval church ruins, and Polish artist Jan Matejko was so upset, he declared he would never exhibit his paintings in Krakow again. However, after its construction, the theater became the first building in Krakow with electric lights and gained admiration for its impressive architecture and performances.