Built in the 19th century, with the opening ceremony held in September of 1884, Budapest’s State Opera House is a masterpiece of art and architecture. During the permitting and planning of the opera house, it was stipulated that all work had to be completed by Hungarian artisans using only Hungarian materials. Miklós Ybl, the State Opera House’s architect, met that requirement with 5 key exceptions: the granite columns were imported from Austria; the chandelier is from Mainz (Germany); the oak and cedar were brought in from Italy; marble coverings came from Carrara (Italy); and Vienna (Austria) provided the stage technology.
An interesting tidbit is that Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary, approved the construction of the opera house under the condition that it would not be larger than the opera house in Vienna.
Visiting the Hungarian Opera House
I had the opportunity to visit this magnificent opera house as part of my Rick Steves’ Europe Best of Prague and Budapest tour. On the last day of our tour, we stopped by the opera house for a guided tour that led us through the auditorium, royal staircase, Bertalan Székely Parlour, Feszty Bar, and foyer. In the end, two of the opera house’s soloists treated us to a wonderful concert. From its masterfully painted ceilings to its ornate staircases and well-appointed parlors, the opera house is truly a marvel of Hungarian artistry.
If you are interested in history, art, and architecture, I highly recommend taking a guided tour of the Hungarian State Opera House. The tours, which last approximately one hour, are offered in several languages and end with a concert. Don’t have time for a tour? You can still enjoy the beauty of the opera house by attending one of their evening performances.
For those relying on public transportation, the metro has a station in front of the building – Opera House Station, Line 1. For those unable to take the metro, there is a bus stop less than a block away.
Travelers can purchase tickets online for guided tours conducted in English. For guided tours offered in other languages, they must contact the opera house.
The lobby of the Hungarian State Opera House is accessible via ramps located at the entrance of the building. Travelers should contact the opera house for more information concerning necessary accommodations for tours and performances.
Resources
The Hungarian State Opera House has a great website with information on their guided tours, evening performances, and festivals.
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