Hungarian State Opera House
Budapest
The Hungarian State Opera House, located on Andrássy Avenue in central Budapest, is a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture designed by Miklós Ybl. Opened in 1884, the building is celebrated for its neo-Renaissance style enriched with Baroque elements and lavish interior decorations by prominent Hungarian artists such as Bertalan Székely, Mór Than, and Károly Lotz. The horseshoe-shaped auditorium seats 1,261 spectators and is famed for having some of the best acoustics in Europe, ranked just behind La Scala in Milan and the Palais Garnier in Paris. The façade is adorned with statues of notable Hungarian composers Ferenc Erkel, who composed the national anthem, and Franz Liszt. Inside, visitors can admire murals depicting the nine Muses, a grand staircase designed for social display, and a massive bronze chandelier illuminating a fresco of Greek gods. The Opera House hosts a vibrant season from September to June, featuring opera performances and the Hungarian National Ballet. Guided tours are offered in multiple languages, allowing visitors to explore its rich artistic and architectural heritage. The building remains a cultural icon and a symbol of Hungary's musical legacy.
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Astuce: To fully appreciate the Hungarian State Opera House, plan your visit during the opera season from September to June. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for popular performances and the annual Budapest Opera Ball. Guided tours are available almost daily in six languages, providing deep insights into the building's history and art. Consider visiting in the late afternoon for a less crowded experience. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Check the official website for the latest schedules and ticketing information.
Faits intéressants
- •The auditorium is considered to have the third best acoustics in Europe, after La Scala in Milan and Palais Garnier in Paris.
- •The grand bronze chandelier weighs approximately 3,050 kilograms and illuminates a fresco depicting Greek gods on Olympus.
- •Statues of Ferenc Erkel and Franz Liszt, two of Hungary's most celebrated composers, flank the main entrance.
- •The royal box is centrally located and decorated with sculptures symbolizing the four operatic voice types: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass.
- •The building features a revolving stage and metal hydraulic machinery, which were state-of-the-art technologies at the time of construction.
Histoire
The Hungarian State Opera House was constructed between 1875 and 1884, designed by renowned architect Miklós Ybl.
It officially opened on September 27, 1884, with Emperor Franz Joseph I in attendance.
The opera company experienced artistic challenges initially but flourished under the direction of Gustav Mahler from 1888 to 1891.
The building underwent major renovations from 1980 to 1984, reopening exactly 100 years after its original inauguration.
Throughout its history, it has been a central cultural institution in Budapest, surviving the impacts of two World Wars and evolving into Hungary's premier opera and ballet venue.
Guide du lieu
Main Auditorium1884
A horseshoe-shaped auditorium seating 1,261 people, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and elegant design, featuring a grand bronze chandelier and frescoes by Károly Lotz.
Façade and Entrance1884
The symmetrical neo-Renaissance façade is adorned with statues of Ferenc Erkel and Franz Liszt, sculpted by Alajos Stróbl, symbolizing Hungary's rich musical heritage.
Grand Staircase and Foyer1884
A wide stone staircase illuminated by wrought-iron lamps leads to the foyer, which features marble columns and vaulted ceilings decorated with murals of the nine Muses by Bertalan Székely and Mór Than.
Royal Box1884
Centrally located in the three-storey circle, the royal box is decorated with sculptures symbolizing the four operatic voice types: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass, emphasizing the building's operatic focus.
Contact
Téléphone: (06 1) 472 0449