Budapest Opera House

The Budapest Opera House, in Hungarian known as the Magyar Állami Operaház, is located in central Pest. It was built according to the Neo-Renaissance style, a movement that developed in the XIX century along with Neo-Classicism and Neo-Gothic based on the Renaissance Architecture.

The Budapest Opera House officially opened its doors on September 27th 1884; at that time it had 1.310 seats.

The decorations

The building is characterized by renaissance and baroque decorations. It was built between 1875 and 1884 by the famous Hungarian architect Miklós Ybl. The structure features various frescos, sculptures, and works of art made by local artists such as Bertalan Székely, Károly Lotz, and Mór Than. The reception hall features some works made by Árpád Feszty.

The entrance of the right side is characterized by statues of Ferenc Erkel, author and composer of the national anthem of Hungary, as well as of Franz Liszt, the best known Hungarian composer. Both statues were sculpted by Alajos Stróbl. The structure is very well cured in all its details, both on its inside and on its facade, shaping a suggestive visual impact. The royal box, the foyer, the main gateway, and the numerous works of art turn this theater into a very unique place.

Visiting the theater

If you are spending your holidays in Budapest and you wish to learn more about the Opera House, you can take one of the many guided tours available in different languages, or you can also see one of the many performances and shows scheduled by the theater.

The very first performance played at the Opera House dates back to 1886; a trio of piano and arch performed by the violinist Jeno Hubay, the cellist David Popper, and Johannes Brahms who was a composer, piano player and music director.

Illustrious guests from the past

Empress Elizabeth used to attend the Budapest Opera Theater even when emperor Franz Josef could not come along.

Opening hours

The Budapest Opera House opens from:

• From Monday to Saturday: from 11.00 to 17.00 or until the beginning of the show
• On Sundays and holidays: from 16.00 until the beginning to the show

Ticket offices open at 10am on the morning of the show, and stay closed on Sundays if there are not scheduled events.

Tickets

Tickets for the Budapest Opera House can be purchased at Hajós utca 13-15, which is open on weekdays from 10am to 5pm. It is also possible to purchase tickets online – sometimes tickets are available at discounted rates.

Getting there

The Budapest Opera House can be reached by metro line M1, getting off at Opera Station, which is located just across from the building, or by taking tram ways 4 and 6, getting off at Oktogon.

Other theaters in Budapest

In addiction to the Opera House, it is possible to attend other shows in Budapest at the following theaters:

• Music Academy 
  The Music Academy building features some magnificent halls in Hungarian liberty style.
• National Concert Hall
  The Palace of Arts hosts the National Concert Hall, named after Bela Bartok. The halls has 1700 seats and a magnificent organ. Moreover, the same building is home to the National Dance Theater and the Ludwig Museum of contemporary art.
• Various theaters such as Madach, Vigszinhaz, Thalia and the Hungarian Theater offer an active modern musical schedule.
• Merlin Theater and the German Theater of Budapest perform shows in English and German.