The theatre was opened on 6 September 1788. The interior decoration gained a great deal of admiration. One of the invited guests, a Frenchman by the name of Renaud, who was then spending time in Warsaw, expressed this in the following words: "A fortunate combination of Roman taste with French - just like what existed in the magnificent years of Louis XIV - gives this theatre a striking quality of grandeur and opulence".

The Amphitheatre was intended for large performances for almost a thousand spectators. Its grand opening was held on the anniversary of the election of King Stanisław August, which took place on 7 September 1791. At the time, a historical ballet entitled Cleopatra was performed. The plot featuring sea battles was particularly suitable for a setting near water, which allowed to include scenes with boats. 

On 29 November 1830, a group of conspirators left the building of the Officer Cadets School in Łazienki (Podchorążówka) and seized control of the nearby Belvedere Palace, the seat of the commander of the Russian forces, Grand Duke Konstantin. The group was led by sublieutenant Piotr Wysocki. This is how the November Uprising began in the Royal Łazienki.