Opera at the Castle

Opera at the Castle in Szczecin is a municipal opera house which since 1978 has been based in the south wing of the Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes. The theatre has an orchestra, choir and ballet, and its repertoire includes operas, ballets and concerts.

History of the theatre

The institution has operated continuously since 1956, at first as the Szczecin Operetta, under several changing names. It has borne its current name since 2000, and since 1999 its organiser has been the self-government of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. The first performances were given in rooms adapted for the purpose, among others in a community centre and in a gymnasium, before the theatre moved to the Castle.

The seat in the castle

The south wing of the castle suffered most during the air raids on Szczecin on 17 August 1944. After the war the rebuilding in 16th-17th century forms was abandoned, and in 1972 it was decided to assign the wing to a musical theatre. The structure was reconstructed in the late Gothic form, and the interiors were rebuilt in a modern style. The renovation of 2010-2015 included adapting the building for people with disabilities, modernising the main hall, uncovering the castle's foundations on the lowest level and conserving 16th-century frescoes in the Prison Tower. The main hall has 540 seats, the chamber hall 100.

Recurring events

Since 1994 the theatre has organised the Great Tenors' Tournament, since 2002 the concert “To Those Who Did Not Return from the Sea”, and since 2016 the concert “August Breakthroughs” (Sierpniowe Przełomy).

Practical information

• Location: Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes, Old Town in Szczecin; nearby are the Old Town Hall (about 200 m) and the archcathedral basilica (about 400 m).
• The repertoire, dates and box office are given on opera.szczecin.pl.
• Organised groups can order a guided walk around the opera's interiors.