It is the largest theatre in the city, specialising in opera, operetta and ballet.

The house has staged works by composers of the past (including Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Verdi and Wagner) as well as contemporary figures (such as Krzysztof Penderecki and Bogdan Pawłowski).

Artists including Victoria de los Ángeles, Andrea Bocelli, Angela Gheorghiu, José Cura and Plácido Domingo have appeared on its stage.

Directors who have worked there include Adam Hanuszkiewicz and Ryszard Peryt.

The building also hosts other events, such as New Year Balls and fashion shows.