Grand Theatre, Poznań


Grand Theatre, Poznań is a neoclassical opera house located in Poznań, Poland. It is named after famous Polish composer Stanisław Moniuszko.

History

Designed by German architect Max Littmann, and inaugurated in 1910 with The Magic Flute, the Grand Theatre in Poznań is a main opera stage in Greater Poland Voivodeship currently directed by Michał Znaniecki.
Its season runs from mid-September to mid-June and the company mounts an annual "Festival Verdi" in October and "E. T. A. Hoffmann Festival" in April, often with special guests.

Architecture

The façade of the building is a huge portico that was built according to the rules of classical architecture of ancient Rome. Dozens of monumental steps are bordered by two sculptures: on the left, a woman riding a lion; and on the right, a man handling a panther. At the top of the staircase stand six massive Ionic columns with a triangular tympanum surmounted by a Pegasus statue, a symbol of the building. To the east is the former restaurant pavilion and to the west is a separate entrance for the emperor. The interior consists of beautifully decorated halls, foyers and other rooms, crystal chandeliers, and rich wall decorations.