Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre, Gdansk

The Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre seamlessly combines modern and historical architecture, making it a notable cultural landmark. Taking nearly a quarter of a century to complete, this theatre, designed by Renato Rizzi, stands out in the predominantly red brick city with its use of black facing bricks and pavers, creating a unique shade and contrast. Rizzi's design pays homage to historical theatre buildings while incorporating advanced technology.

Externally, the theatre showcases Gothic elements that echo the style of Gdańsk's old city center. The façade is constructed with dark charcoal Vandersanden Morvan bricks, symbolizing strength and durability. This dark exterior sharply contrasts with the surrounding architecture, while the pavers around the building match the façade's color, adding to the cohesive aesthetic.

Inside, the theatre presents an unexpected visual experience. Contrary to its solid and heavy exterior, the interior is bright and elegant, featuring white walls, marble stairs, and birch wood paneling. This contrast leads residents to liken the theatre to a treasure chest—unassuming on the outside but refined and luxurious within.

The layout of the theatre is multidimensional, accommodating various activities such as performances, meetings, exhibitions, and events. It reflects the city's character with a design reminiscent of a maze, featuring corridors (streets), squares (courtyards), and a complex arrangement of different functions.

The theatre offers three staging formats: an open roof in the Elizabethan style, a traditional setting with the audience in front of the stage, and an arena layout where the audience surrounds the stage, seating approximately 600 people. Surrounding corridors lead to a large lobby and an outdoor patio, spaces where audiences can gather during intervals. Additionally, the outdoor roof terraces offer stunning views of the city.