The Old Theater in Lublin is a true gem of the city's architecture and theater history. Founded in 1822, it is one of the oldest theaters in Poland, and its classicist exterior still delights visitors today. After an extensive renovation completed in 2012, the theater has regained its former splendor, combining historical character with modern technical solutions. The 168-seat intimate auditorium creates an extremely intimate atmosphere during performances, allowing audiences to be in close contact with the actors. The Old Theater is famous for its ambitious repertoire, which includes both classics and contemporary experimental plays.

An interesting fact is that Helena Modrzejewska performed within the walls of this theater, and during World War II the building served as a cinema for German officers. Today, in addition to performances, the Old Theater hosts author meetings, concerts and educational events, becoming a true cultural center of the city. Its distinctive acoustics also make it an excellent venue for intimate classical music concerts.

The Osterwa Theater in Lublin, named after the prominent Polish actor and director Juliusz Osterwa, has continued the city's theatrical traditions since 1886. The theater building, erected in an eclectic style, is an architectural monument in its own right. The main auditorium, capable of seating over 300 spectators, impresses with its richly decorated boxes and plafond depicting mythological scenes. Osterwa Theater is famous for its classical repertoire, often drawing on the works of Polish playwrights such as Wyspianski, Fredro and Mrozek.

It is worth mentioning the unique tradition of this theater - since the 1950s it has organized the Festival of Classical Plays, which attracts theater lovers from all over Poland. Osterwa Theater also conducts intensive educational activities, offering theater workshops for young people and programs for schools. Its rich history is rich in anecdotes - it is said that the ghost of a former actor can still be found in the theater's dressing rooms, appearing before the premieres of particularly important plays.

Comparing the two historic stages, it is worth noting that the Old Theater offers a more intimate atmosphere and often experimental repertoire, while the Osterwa Theater focuses on classics and larger productions. Ticket prices at both institutions are similar - at an average level, although the Old Theater, due to its smaller seating capacity, often has sold-out shows well in advance. What both theaters have in common, however, is their attention to preserving their historical heritage while being open to contemporary theatrical trends.

The Lublin Opera House is an institution of exceptional importance to the city's cultural landscape. Although it has been operating as an independent entity since 2010, opera traditions in Lublin go back much deeper. Today, the Opera House is housed in a modern building that combines functionality with elegant design. The main hall, equipped with state-of-the-art acoustic and lighting equipment, can accommodate more than 350 spectators. Lublin Opera's repertoire ranges from classic works of world opera literature to more contemporary productions, often featuring international stars.

Particularly noteworthy is the annual Opera Festival, which has become a hallmark of the institution. During the festival, not only traditional stagings are presented, but also innovative interpretations of well-known works. Lublin Opera also conducts intensive educational activities, offering special programs for children and young people, which introduce young audiences to the world of opera and ballet in an accessible way. An interesting fact is that the Lublin Opera orchestra regularly collaborates with jazz and rock artists, creating unique musical fusions.

The Meeting of Cultures Center (CSK) is a true gem of modern architecture and a multifunctional cultural space, opened in 2016 after more than 40 years since construction began (originally as the Theater under Construction). This impressive edifice of more than 40,000 sq. m. houses several performance halls, including the main opera and theater hall with more than 1,000 seats, which impresses with excellent acoustics and advanced technical solutions. The CSK is not only a venue for theatrical and opera performances, but also for exhibitions, concerts, conferences and workshops.

One of the CSK's most distinctive features is its green roof - the largest publicly accessible rooftop garden in Poland, offering panoramic views of the city. Inside the building there is also a unique Labyrinth Gallery, presenting contemporary art. The CSK regularly hosts international theater and opera productions, becoming a platform for cultural exchange between East and West. Worth mentioning is the annual East of Culture Festival, which takes place in the spaces of the CSK and presents the cultural richness of the Eastern Partnership countries.

The Hans Christian Andersen Theater in Lublin is a unique institution dedicated to the youngest audiences. Founded in 1954, it is one of the oldest puppet theaters in Poland. It is now housed in a modern building, which was specially designed with the needs of young audiences in mind. The main auditorium can accommodate about 200 spectators, and its layout provides excellent visibility for even the youngest visitors.

The theater's repertoire includes adaptations of classic fairy tales, including, of course, Andersen's works, but also contemporary plays dealing with important social issues in a way that is accessible to children. The theater is known for its innovative puppet techniques, combining traditional forms with modern technology. Of particular note is the annual International Children's Theater Festival, which attracts companies from around the world. The theater also conducts theater workshops for children and young people, developing their creativity and artistic sensitivity.

Comparing the three institutions, it can be seen that the Lublin Opera offers the most classical repertoire at average ticket prices, the CSK presents the most diverse program of events at varying prices (from cheap for smaller events to expensive for international productions), and the Andersen Theater specializes in performances for children at the most affordable prices. CSK has the largest and most modern infrastructure, while Andersen Theater offers the most intimate atmosphere, ideal for young audiences.

Theater Confrontations is one of the most important theater festivals in Poland, which has been held in Lublin since 1996. Founded by Janusz Opryński, the festival was initially intended to confront the achievements of Lublin's theater community with those of other centers in Poland. Over the years it has evolved into an international event presenting the most interesting phenomena of contemporary theater. In 2010, during the 15th edition, the name was shortened to Theater Confrontations, and the main program was enriched with a 'Lublin show case', presenting the achievements of the local theater community.

In 2013-2017, the festival was curated by Grzegorz Reske and Marta Keil, who focused on new theatrical languages and young Polish directors. Theater Confrontations is not only about performances, but also about workshops, discussions, lectures and meetings with artists, which take place in various spaces in the city, including the Center for Meeting of Cultures, the Old Theater and the Osterwa Theater. The festival has become a platform for experimental theatrical forms, often crossing the boundaries of traditional theater.

The 'Grodzka Gate - NN Theater' Center is a unique cultural institution located in the historic Grodzka Gate, which once served as a passage between the Christian and Jewish parts of the city. Founded in 1990, the center focuses on preserving the Polish-Jewish cultural heritage of Lublin. In 1998 the theater became an independent organization and received its current name. One of the most important events organized by the center is the 'City of Poetry' - a festival dedicated to poetry in urban space, and 'Following the Traces of Singer' - a project referring to the work of Isaac Bashevis Singer, a Nobel laureate associated with Lublin.

In 2002 and 2004, the center organized the 'Poem of Place' event, commemorating the Jewish quarter, which included a mystery play highlighting the history of the ghetto. In 2008, a mystery play 'Memory of the Righteous - Memory of Light' was held, commemorating the Jews of Lublin and their Polish saviors during World War II. The center's activities go far beyond theater - it also maintains an oral history archive, documenting the memories of residents of pre-war Lublin, and organizes exhibitions and educational projects.

Lublin's Jewish heritage is an important part of the city's cultural identity and is reflected in the theater's activities. Lublin was home to a significant Jewish community, with such prominent figures as Jacob Yitzhak Horowitz (the Seer of Lublin) and the aforementioned Isaac Bashevis Singer. In 1638 the Kotlarshul synagogue was built, which was one of the most important centers of religious and cultural life of Lublin's Jews. Unfortunately, in 1655 the Jewish quarter was set on fire by the Russian army, which caused significant loss of life.

The history of Jewish Lublin is reflected in the repertoire of Lublin's theaters, especially in the activities of the Grodzka Gate - NN Theater Center, but also in performances presented at the Old Theater or during Theater Confrontations. It is worth mentioning the Trail of Remembrance of Lublin Jews, which leads through places related to the history of the Jewish community and is often an inspiration for theatrical activities.

Comparing Lublin's festivals and cultural initiatives, one can see that the Theater Confrontations focus on contemporary theater and international artistic exchange, while the activities of the Grodzka Gate - NN Theater Center have a stronger historical and educational dimension. Both events attract different audiences - the Confrontations are aimed mainly at experimental theater lovers, while the Grodzka Gate projects reach a wider audience of people interested in history and cultural heritage. Prices for participation in Grodzka Gate events are usually lower (often the events are free) compared to tickets for Theater Confrontations performances, which are in the middle price range.