The building originally served as the Polonia Cinema, which opened in 1913.
Krystyna Janda founded the theater to create an independent space for artistic expression outside the traditional state-subsidized system.
The venue is housed in a building that was one of the few to survive the aerial bombardments and destruction of Warsaw in 1944.
The interior design preserves elements of the original cinema architecture, blending modern functionality with historical industrial aesthetics.
The theater frequently hosts touring productions and collaborations with independent artists.
Teatr Polonia is a private foundation theater established by renowned Polish actress Krystyna Janda in 2005. It is housed in the historic former Kinoteatr Polonia building, a structure that survived World War II. The venue features two distinct performance spaces: the Main Stage and the smaller Foyer stage. It focuses on contemporary drama, comedies, and experimental works. The theater operates as an independent institution, distinct from state-funded cultural entities. It is located on Marszałkowska Street in the Śródmieście district of Warsaw.
The neon-lit entrance signage on the facade of the building during the evening.
Book tickets well in advance online, as popular performances often sell out weeks ahead.
Check the performance language, as most plays are in Polish and typically do not feature English surtitles.
Arrive early to enjoy the theater's intimate lobby bar, which is a popular local social spot.
Do not attempt to purchase tickets at the door immediately before a show, as the venue is small and frequently sold out.
The theater typically hosts a summer break during July and August when regular programming is reduced or paused.
Smart casual attire is expected; silence mobile devices completely and avoid using them during performances.
