The construction works at the State Opera House of Budapest were completed no sooner than 1884, though the project had been initiated in 1875. It is one of the best opera houses in Europe, featuring excellent acoustic conditions (rated the third best opera houses in terms of acoustics in Europe). This wholesome context is precisely why the Hungarian State Opera carries out part of its activities here, with plenty of performances given each season.

On top of that, the building as such is one of the most important tourist sites in Budapest, enriching the architectural landscape of the city. It is, at the same time, one of the most prized historical buildings. The structure visibly embodies a majestic Neo-Renaissance style with discrete Baroque insertions.

A plethora of statues can be spotted outside the building proper, statues which render some of the most important figures in the field of classical music, both national and international artists, such as Frantz Liszt, Ferenc Erkel, Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Verdi.

The interior does not fall short of the outer grandness. Plenty of sculptural works and frescoes can be admired, turning the venue into a place which does not confine to serving art, but which is in itself a work of art. In all likelihood, the State Opera House is precisely what its chief architect intended, Miklos Ybl, that is, to build an opera house on a par with its counterparts in Paris or Dresden.

Organized tours are provided in several languages, but visiting hours are quite limited.

Name:
State Opera House (Magyar Allami Operahaz)
Address:
22, Andrassy ut, 1061, Budapest, Hungary
Telephone:
0036 1 8147100
Email:
Website:
www.opera.hu
Go to top