Wrocław Puppet Theatre

The Wrocław Puppet Theatre operates in the former assembly hall of the Association of Christian Merchants at Teatralny Square 4, right in the centre of Wrocław. It is one of the oldest puppet stages in the city, with a history going back to the first post-war years.

Founding of the theatre

The Puppet and Actor Theatre was launched in Wrocław on 18 October 1946 by Zenona and Elżbieta Kalinowicz. The stage was initially based at Rzeźnicza 12. From 1962 the theatre operated as the State Puppet Theatre "Chochlik" at Świdnicka 28, and it took its current name from the 1963/1964 season.

The building on Teatralny Square

The theatre's home is the former assembly hall of the Association of Christian Merchants. Until 1993 the building was shared with the Polish-Soviet Friendship Society, and in December of that year the Mayor of Wrocław handed over the entire building to the theatre alone.

Stages and repertoire

The theatre performs on several stages, aiming its repertoire at different age groups: from shows for the youngest viewers, through productions for children, to titles aimed at teenagers and adults. Since 1967 the Small Stage for Adults has operated, where the theatre tackles more serious themes than the classic puppet repertoire. The theatre also runs a Puppet Gallery, presenting a collection of historic puppets.

Workshops and educational activities

The theatre also runs workshops, school programmes and touring shows that reach towns across the region. Since 1995 it has organised the Children's Art Academy, and within the Theatre Pedagogy Workshop it holds theatre classes for school and kindergarten groups as well as meetings of theatre groups for older children and teenagers.

Accessibility

The theatre offers pre-visit guides for visitors with special needs and relaxed performances for neurodiverse audiences. Road works are under way near the building and may affect traffic flow, so it is worth bearing this in mind when planning your journey.

Nearby

The theatre lies in the very centre of Wrocław, close to the Market Square and Solny Square. Across the street is the WRO Art Center, and it is a short walk to the Wrocław Town Hall and the Historical Museum in Wrocław.

Practical information

• Address: Teatralny Square 4, Old Town, Wrocław
• Getting there: on foot within the very centre of Wrocław; nearby road works may affect access
• What to expect: the box office is open Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00, at weekends from an hour before the show, and closed on Mondays; a repertoire for different age groups and pre-visit guides for visitors with special needs; it is worth checking the hours before visiting