Budapest Opera House
- attractionsthings to do
- November 23, 2023
The Budapest Opera House, a beacon of artistic and architectural grandeur, has enriched Budapest’s cultural tapestry since the late 19th century. This iconic venue, not only celebrated for its musical heritage but also for its architectural splendor, continues to captivate visitors from around the globe.
History
The Budapest Opera House’s story is interwoven with the threads of musical greatness. Gustav Mahler and Otto Klemperer, among others, left their indelible marks here. A significant renovation in the late 20th century restored its former glory, culminating in a centennial reopening in 1984, celebrating its enduring legacy in the world of music and culture.
Architectural Elegance and Artistic Heritage
Symphony of Decor and Artistry
The Budapest Opera House, a masterpiece conceptualized by the renowned Hungarian architect Miklós Ybl, is a splendid representation of Renaissance and Baroque artistry. Built between 1875 and 1884, it stands as a beacon of Hungary’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.
The Exterior Splendor
The exterior of the Budapest Opera House is as magnificent as its interior, embodying the essence of neo-Renaissance and Baroque styles. This façade not only captivates passersby with its beauty but also narrates the rich cultural history of Hungary.
Symmetrical Façade
The Opera House’s façade is a testament to the neo-Renaissance style, characterized by its symmetry and harmonious proportions. This exterior design creates an inviting and impressive first impression, setting the stage for the artistic splendor that awaits inside.
Sculptural Accents
Enriching the façade are the sculptural works of Alajos Stróbl, notably the figures of Ferenc Erkel and Franz Liszt, which reside in niches on either side of the main entrance. These sculptures not only honor significant Hungarian musical figures but also add a layer of depth and historical context to the building’s exterior.
Musical Theme
The entire exterior follows a musical theme, subtly integrating elements that reflect the Opera House’s purpose as a home for music and performance. This thematic approach creates a visual harmony that resonates with the building’s cultural significance.
Interior Majesty
The interior of the Budapest Opera House is a world of opulence and artistic refinement, embodying the grandeur of its neo-Renaissance and Baroque influences. Every element inside the Opera House is meticulously crafted, creating an immersive experience that captivates both the eyes and the soul.
Foyer and Staircase
The journey into the Opera House’s splendor begins in the foyer, marked by elegant marble columns and a vaulted ceiling adorned with murals by Bertalan Székely and Mór Than depicting the nine Muses. The grand staircase, an architectural feat, not only serves a practical purpose but was also designed as a social space where 19th-century opera-goers could gather and display their finery.
Main Hall and Acoustics
The main hall, renowned for its intimate setting and exceptional acoustics, is horseshoe-shaped and beautifully decorated. A significant highlight is the central bronze chandelier, weighing 3050 kg, which illuminates a magnificent fresco by Károly Lotz depicting the Greek gods on Olympus. The hall’s design and dimensions contribute to its world-renowned acoustic properties.
Royal Box and Artistic Details
The royal box, prominently positioned in the three-storey circle, is a focal point of luxury and prestige. Decorated with sculptures symbolizing the four operatic voices – soprano, alto, tenor, and bass – it embodies the essence of operatic art. Around the hall, various frescoes, sculptures, and artistic details further enhance the sensory experience of visitors.
Blending architecture with art, the Budapest Opera House is more than a venue for opera and ballet; it is a living celebration of Hungary’s artistic legacy, echoing through its halls and captivating all who walk through its doors.
A Glimpse into the Performative Heart
Seasonal Performances and Ballet
Throughout its annual season, the Budapest Opera House not only hosts opera performances but is also the proud home of the Hungarian National Ballet. This blend of operatic and ballet performances highlights its versatile and rich cultural offerings.
The Acoustic Marvel
The Opera House is renowned for its acoustic prowess, a feature meticulously confirmed by international engineers. This acoustic quality not only enhances the experience for audiences but also places the venue at a venerated status among Europe’s top opera houses.
Budapest Opera House Tickets
If you want to watch a show at Budapest Opera House, there’s two ways of buying your tickets:
1. Tickets can be purchased at the Opera House’s ticket office located at Hajós utca 13-15. The ticket office operates on weekdays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, catering to a wide range of schedules. On show days, the ticket office opens at 10:00 AM.
2. Or you can also do it online at the Opera’s official website. This option allows visitors to browse the full program, select seats, and purchase tickets.
Budapest Opera House Tours
If you just want to see the Opera as a visitor, then you can get a ticket for a complete tour. Visitors can deeply engage with the Opera House through various guided tours, offering insights into its history, architecture, and ongoing cultural significance. These tours, available in several languages, include a captivating concert, showcasing the talents of the Opera’s soloists.
Since 15 March 2022, the fully restored Budapest Opera House has reopened its doors for guided tours, inviting fans of architecture, opera, and ballet to explore this rejuvenated cultural citadel. These tours offer an immersive experience, showcasing the Opera House’s beautifully restored interiors and the latest innovations that enable spectacular theatrical productions.
Guaranteed Tours:
• Schedule: Tours are available daily at 13:30, 15:00, and 16:30, conducted in English.
• Other Languages: For tours in Italian, Spanish, German, French, or Hungarian, visitors are encouraged to contact the OperaTour team.
• Pricing: The cost for the tour is 9000 HUF, with a reduced price of 5000 HUF for Hungarian-language tours.
• Concerts: Each tour culminates with a short concert featuring the talented soloists of the OPERA.
• Photography: Visitors are welcome to take non-commercial photographs, though flash photography and tripods are not allowed.
• Tickets: Available for purchase one week in advance, either at the box offices or online. Children under the age of 3 are admitted free of charge.
• Group Size: Group tours are limited to a maximum of 30 visitors.
• Special Note: The auditorium may be closed for visits during rehearsals. If a tour coincides with rehearsal times, alternative, rarely seen areas of the Opera House are included in the tour. Tours are not conducted during performances.
Private Tours:
• Availability: Private tours can be arranged daily between 9:00 and 13:00 for groups of at least 15 paying individuals. Alternatively, private tours can coincide with the scheduled guaranteed tours but with separate guides.
• Pricing: Foreign language private tours are priced at 5500 HUF per person (with concert) or 4000 HUF per person (without concert). Hungarian private tours cost 3500 HUF per person (with concert) or 3000 HUF per person (without concert).
• Concert Add-On: Concerts for private tours can be arranged for an additional fee of 45,000 HUF per concert.
• Registration and Contact: Visitors interested in private tours can register or seek more information by contacting the Opera House from Monday to Friday between 10:00 and 17:00 at [email protected] or by phone at +36 30 781 2630.
These tours not only offer a glimpse into the Opera House’s storied past but also allow visitors to appreciate its present-day splendor and the role it continues to play in Budapest’s cultural life.
Getting to the Budapest Opera House
The Opera House is well-served by several transportation options, making it easily accessible to both locals and tourists.
• Metro Accessibility:
The most direct route to the Opera House is via Metro line M1. You can leave at the “Opera” station, conveniently situated just across from the Opera House building.
• Tram Accessibility:
For those preferring to travel by tram, lines 4 and 6 are available. Get off at the “Oktogon” stop. From Oktogon, the Opera House is a short walk away, taking approximately 10 minutes through the beautiful Andrássy avenue.
Opening Hours
The Budapest Opera House maintains specific opening hours, catering to both regular visits and scheduled performances:
• Monday to Saturday: The Opera House is open from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, or until the beginning of an evening performance.
• Sundays and Holidays: Opening hours on Sundays and public holidays are from 4:00 PM until the start of the show.
Special Considerations
Variability for Performances: On days with scheduled performances, the Opera House may extend its opening hours to accommodate the audience.
Online Availability: For those planning their visit, detailed and up-to-date opening hours, along with any special announcements, are typically available on the Budapest Opera House’s official website.
Holiday Schedules: Visitors are advised to check the Opera House’s schedule during holidays and festive seasons, as opening hours may vary.