On 8 January 2026, Warsaw will unveil the Dance Pavilion and Other Performance Arts at 22 Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie, promising around 150 events in its first year while ticket sales begin on 13 November 2025.
Location and Inauguration
The Pavilion is located at 22 Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie, next to the University Library and the Copernicus Science Centre, and open to the public from 8 January 2026. Ticket sales for the first batch begin on 13 November 2025, with an opening weekend scheduled from 8‑11 January.
Origins and Design
The building, a former Pavilion nad Wisłą, once hosted the temporary premises of the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw. Designed by Austrian architect Adolf Krischanitz, it has stood by the Vistula since 2017, later becoming the Museum nad Wisłą’s branch. After the museum’s move to Defilad Square, city authorities repurposed the structure for dance and performance arts, financing its modernization.
Program Vision and Partnerships
Curators Alicja Berejowska and Renata Piotrowska‑Auffret aim to secure dance and choreography’s autonomy as a full‑blown art form. Their plan opens the venue to local and international collaboration, interdisciplinary encounters, and community‑engaged projects. The schedule will evolve through open calls, residencies, co‑productions, and projects that weave through Warsaw’s urban fabric.
Opening Weekend Highlights
The September‑to‑January opening features Christos Papadopoulos’ “My Fierce Ignorant Step” on 8 January, a joint event with the Ephemera festival, and the multigenerational “Public Ball,” described as an open carnival celebration. These first programs set the tone for the Pavilion’s eclectic lineup.
First‑Year Lineup and International Ties
The pavilion will host performances such as “In C” by Sasha Waltz & Guests, “Vagabundus” by Idio Chichava, and “Non+Ultras” by Moritz Ostrushcnjaka. Co‑productions include Paweł Sakowicz’s “Storm” with the Palace of the Senate in Vilnius (Polish premiere on 30‑31 January) and Aleks Borys’ “Wyplatające empiria” with Gdańsk’s Institute of Municipal Culture. Other pieces feature Wojciech Grudziński’s “Bow,” Ramona Nagabczyńska and Agata Siniarska’s “Święto wiosny,” and Janusz Orlik’s “Fuga” in collaboration with the National Forum of Music in Wrocław.
Pilot Year and Outreach
The 2026 pilot year will see five premieres, roughly 150 events—including shows, creative residencies, and public discussions—and around 20 outdoor events along the Vistula and Powiśle. February thematic blocks will spotlight Ukrainian choreography, with shows “Cossachka,” “Hopak,” and a masterclass. March will feature multigenerational programs like “MONUMENT 0.7: M/OTHERS” and “Współudomowienie – wersje warszawskie,” followed by a “Warsaw Calling” series showcasing Polish artists based in Berlin.
Future Programming and Education
Shortly after the opening weekend, “Educational Tuesdays” will offer dance classes across age groups and skill levels, while February’s “Dancing Families” workshop pairs children with caregivers under the Performat Foundation. In December 2026, the “Safer Spaces” residency partners with the Czech Center Warsaw, and a project with the Youth Performance Coalition will produce a new joint work. The Pavilion will also feature an “Open Stage” presentation space and a “Choreography in PAWNILON” course for emerging artists.