Poland's leading opera, ballet and concert venue, it is a meeting place of rich traditions and a clear vision of the future. Each season, the opera house presents a range of first-class productions - many of which have been co-produced with international partners - and contribute significantly to the enrichment of cultural life in Poland. The Grand Theater building, constructed in the first half of the 19th century according to a design by Italian architect Antonio Corazzi, was a haven of Polish culture and heritage at a time when the country was under foreign occupation from 1772 to 1918. Shortly after Poland's independence, it turned The building fell to ruins after Warsaw surrendered to German forces at the start of World War II. The opera house was reconstructed over 50 years ago, in 1965, and is currently home to the Polish National Opera, the Polish National Ballet and Opera Gallery. It is a place that constantly puts global ideas together for an arts compilation, providing audiences with great works by leading contemporary artists.