Exploring the Architecture of the Cricoteka
The new seat of the Cricoteka, the Centre for the Documentation of the Art of Tadeusz Kantor
Cricoteka building, view from the bank of the Vistula river by Marcin JezykCentre for the Documentation of the Art of Tadeusz Kantor CRICOTEKA
About Cricoteka
The Cricoteka was founded in 1980 in Krakow by Tadeusz Kantor as the living archive of the Cricot 2 Theatre. Originally named the Centre of the Cricot 2 Theatre, it was first located at 5 Kanonicza Street.
Tadeusz Kantor (1915, Wielopole Skrzyńskie - 1990, Krakow)
director, painter, draughtsman, art theoretician, stage designer, author of happenings and a renowned 20th-century theatre reformer, one of the most important Polish artists.
Tadeusz Kantor (1988) by Daniel SimpsonCentre for the Documentation of the Art of Tadeusz Kantor CRICOTEKA
He was a graduate of the Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow and the founder of the Underground Independent Theatre in Krakow under the Nazi occupation. In 1955, together with Maria Jarema and Kazimierz Mikulski, he founded the Cricot 2 Theatre.
Tadeusz KantorCentre for the Documentation of the Art of Tadeusz Kantor CRICOTEKA
A breakthrough moment in his career came with the premiere of his performance The Dead Class (1975), initiating the Theatre of Death. Kantor’s subsequent performances were based on his memories: Wielopole, Wielopole, Let the Artists Die, I Shall Never Return and Today Is My Birthday.
The unique collection of Kantor’s works is the basis of the activities of the Centre.
Its mission consists of storing, displaying and preserving a collection of theatre records and artefacts linked with Tadeusz Kantor’s creative output.
Cricoteka`s square in mirror reflectionCentre for the Documentation of the Art of Tadeusz Kantor CRICOTEKA
About the building
The new seat of the Cricoteka comprises two buildings – an old power plant building and a modern architectural construction. It was opened in 2014.
The historic part of the complex used to be a local power plant, erected in 1900.
Cricoteka, Podgorze, Nadwislanska street (2014) by Jakub CertowiczCentre for the Documentation of the Art of Tadeusz Kantor CRICOTEKA
Later, the building hosted, among others, a shelter and public bath for the homeless as well as a medical clinic.
Connection between an old power plant building and a modern architectural construction, corridor (2022)Centre for the Documentation of the Art of Tadeusz Kantor CRICOTEKA
At present, the old part is used for the offices, archive and theatre space, while in the new part there is a gallery, café and educational space. The two buildings are linked by an underground corridor.
Stair case in CricotekaCentre for the Documentation of the Art of Tadeusz Kantor CRICOTEKA
The contemporary building is the architectural concept of IQ 2 Konsorcjum: nsMoonStudio and Wizja.
The architectural design of the new complex was inspired by Tadeusz Kantor’s drawing A Man with a Table. The building was designed to look like a table and reference several of Kantor’s important creative concepts: wrapping, emballages, monuments to impossible architecture.
Modern architectural construction (2015) by Marcin JeżykCentre for the Documentation of the Art of Tadeusz Kantor CRICOTEKA
The project draws on examples of what has been acknowledged as best practice in the revitalisation of post-industrial buildings and their adaptation as cultural centres, museums and art galleries, such as Tate Modern in London or the CaixaForum in Madrid.
Inside Cricoteka
The Cricoteka combines the functions of a museum, an archive, a gallery and a research centre. It is also a venue for concerts, performances, film screenings and workshops for children and adults.
ARCHIVE
The archive stores a unique collection of writings, manuscripts, drawings and projects by Tadeusz Kantor as well as audio-visual materials, posters, reviews, photographs and documents linked with the Cricot 2 Theatre and its history.
Cricoteka building, interior (2014)Centre for the Documentation of the Art of Tadeusz Kantor CRICOTEKA
FOYER
The foyer is used for film screenings and the display of an album with Tadeusz Kantor’s paintings.
Polifonie dzieciom (Polyphonies for kids), the music educational program for children (2019) by Grzegorz MartCentre for the Documentation of the Art of Tadeusz Kantor CRICOTEKA
THEATRE SPACE
The theatre space hosts theatre, dance and music shows as well as other, genre-binding performances.
Polifonie dzieciom (Polyphonies for kids), the music educational program for children (2019) by Grzegorz MartCentre for the Documentation of the Art of Tadeusz Kantor CRICOTEKA
PERMANENT EXHIBITION OF TADEUSZ KANTOR'S WORKS
The permanent exhibition of Tadeusz Kantor's works comprises objects, artefacts and costumes used in the Cricot 2 Theatre performances. Upon request, the staff supplies tactile aids, magnifying glass as well as Braille and large print materials.
TEMPORARY DISPLAYS
Temporary displays in the Cricoteka explore Tadeusz Kantor’s life and work, engage in creative dialogue with his ideas and offer an opportunity to discover different aspects of contemporary art.
Kantor`s Theatrical Costumes (2022) by Szymon SokołowskiCentre for the Documentation of the Art of Tadeusz Kantor CRICOTEKA
The latest temporary display was Private - an unorthodox large-format installation putting on display Tadeusz Kantor’s theatrical costumes from the Cricoteka Collection.
CAFÉ / BOOKSTORE
The top floor is the location of the CAFÉ / BOOKSTORE. It is an excellent spot to admire the view of Krakow.
Cricoteka building, view from the other side of the river (2020)Centre for the Documentation of the Art of Tadeusz Kantor CRICOTEKA
Cricoteka is growing (2014)Centre for the Documentation of the Art of Tadeusz Kantor CRICOTEKA
The movie was made from the cameras that took pictures of the Cricoteka building under construction every day in the years 2009-2014
An exhibition of the Centre for the Documentation of the Art of Tadeusz Kantor.
Images: Jakub Certowicz, Marcin Jezyk, Grzegorz Mart, Daniel Simpson, Szymon Sokolowski, Mirosław Zak.
