Our Seats at the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Kraków
One of the most valuable examples of theatre architecture in Europe, a true gem of Kraków’s cultural scene, and for over a century — a driving force behind the development of Polish culture. The Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Kraków is an institution that has sparked conversations for generations, offering performances that never leave audiences indifferent.
In autumn 2022, during premiere performances, audiences took their seats in new chairs supplied by Forum by Nowy Styl. The theatre’s Main Stage underwent a full transformation, and its auditorium was fitted with over 600 new seats, manufactured by Nowy Styl – selected as the supplier following a public tender.
As our headquarters are based in Kraków, this project was especially meaningful for us — and it coincided with the 30th anniversary of Nowy Styl’s founding.
Jakub Rachfalik
Managing Director of Forum by Nowy Styl
A design challenge
Delivering this project posed a significant challenge. As a heritage-listed building, the theatre is under the care of a conservation authority, which meant that all solutions had to respect its historical character. This wasn’t Forum’s first experience with such projects — the brand’s portfolio includes similar work for Bavarian State Opera and Teatr Roma, where custom replicas of historical seats were created.
Custom seating for the main stage
The concept was developed by KONIOR Studio, led by architect Tomasz Konior. The scope covered seats for the stalls, balconies, and royal boxes. The original seat design by Jan Zawiejski served as a foundation, enriched with modern production technologies. This approach made it possible to preserve the unique character of the historic Main Stage while meeting strict conservation requirements.
The importance of acoustics
Acoustics are critical in any auditorium — and seating materials play a major role in their performance. Thanks to Forum’s extensive experience and cooperation with the Technical Acoustics Laboratory at AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków, the final result met the precise acoustic criteria specified in the public tender.
It’s all in the details
In this project, every detail mattered. The deep knowledge of materials and finishes allowed Nowy Styl’s specialists to actively participate in consultations between the theatre’s management, the architect, and the heritage authority — providing expert advice on woodwork and upholstery.
Due to the high usage demands, the fabric had to meet rigorous durability standards. Forum proposed a resilient, easy-to-maintain upholstery that also harmonized with the hall’s overall aesthetic.
Due to the high usage demands, the fabric had to meet rigorous durability standards. Forum proposed a resilient, easy-to-maintain upholstery that also harmonized with the hall’s overall aesthetic.