The Cricoteka

The Cricoteka, the Tadeusz Kantor centre of Cracow

Strange and spectacular, the Cricoteka building is one of the major cultural hubs of Cracow. Set in a former power station of Podgórze, this centre is devoted to the life and work of the avant-garde Polish playwright Tadeusz Kantor. The Cracow audio-guided tour stops here to reveal a more contemporary and creative side of the city.

A power station turned art venue

Created in Cracow in 1980, the Cricoteka was born as a documentation centre devoted to the work of Tadeusz Kantor and the theatre he revolutionised. It took place in the former power station of Podgórze, wrapped in a bold modern construction whose volumes seem suspended above the ground. This dialogue between industrial heritage and contemporary architecture makes it a unique place on the banks of the Vistula.

What to see

The centre presents exhibitions devoted to Tadeusz Kantor, a major figure of twentieth-century avant-garde theatre, as well as contemporary creations. Its architecture alone is worth the visit: its suspended halls offer a remarkable view of the Vistula. It is an ideal stop for lovers of modern art and theatre, in the reviving district of Podgórze.

Practical information

The Cricoteka lies in Podgórze, on the south bank of the Vistula, in Cracow, reachable on foot and by tram. A working cultural centre, it can be visited according to hours that vary through the year, with an admission fee for the exhibitions. It is best to check the hours and the programme before visiting. The building, modern, is equipped to welcome the public.

What is the Cricoteka?

It is a cultural centre in Cracow devoted to the work of the avant-garde playwright Tadeusz Kantor, set in a former power station of Podgórze, created in 1980.

Who was Tadeusz Kantor?

Tadeusz Kantor was an avant-garde Polish playwright and artist, a major figure of twentieth-century theatre, to whom the Cricoteka is entirely devoted.