Regarded today as an architectural masterpiece, the Słowacki Theatre came under fierce criticism when construction began due to the demolition of the medieval Church of the Holy Ghost to make room for it - an act that drew the ire of local cultural bigwigs like Jan Matejko. Though completed in 1893 during the height of PL's Art Nouveau movement, Jan Zawiejski modelled his design for the theatre on the Paris Opera and other classic European Baroque structures, resulting in richly elaborate facade decorated with allegorical figures. The foyer and marble staircase are supreme examples of fin-de-siecle thinking, and the stage curtain designed by Henryk Siemiradzki features beautiful paintings representing drama, comedy, music and dance. Poland's first cinema show was also held here in 1896.

Open during productions only, generally the theatre is closed to visitors, except in July and August when 1-hour guided tours in English (20zł) are offered most days and conducted every hour on the hour 11:00-14:00; walk-ups are welcome, but you should call to find out whether tours are happening on a given day. Individual tours (250zł) can be arranged any time throughout the rest of the year by calling in advance to make the arrangements.

All theatre productions now include English subtitles (some also include Ukrainian), and if you're willing to splurge you can book a VIP lounge with additional services for 500zł (four people max, Fri & Sat performances only). Box office opening hours are erratic so check their website.