Hungarian State Opera House

The Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház) has given a home to the long and rich operatic tradition of this country, stretching back into the 18th century, since its construction in 1884. The Hungarian State Opera and Hungarian State Ballet both have their permanent residence here, meaning there are year-round performances of the finest quality. All of these take place in surroundings of the utmost beauty, with high-quality art and regal interiors the order of the day throughout this beautiful building. The architect Miklós Ybl created the design for the building, influenced by the splendour of Vienna Opera House.

A selection of the biggest names in the world of opera have performed here, including Renée Fleming, José Cura, Juan Diego Flórez, Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti. The acoustics are of a very high quality in the auditorium, placing the opera house in a similar bracket to La Scala in Milan or Palais Garnier in Paris. The season runs from September to June, consisting of much-loved classics and premieres from time to time – be sure to book your seats well in advance to ensure your place.

The building and its surroundings are also full of wonderful art: admire the statue of the famed Hungarian composer Franz Liszt on your way into the theatre, along with that of the first musical director of the opera house, Ferenc Erkel. The latter is also celebrated for founding the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra and for writing the Hungarian national anthem. The work of national painters of the highest calibre is on show inside, from Mór Than to Alajos Stróbl to Bertalan Székely.

The large auditorium seats 1,261 people in the most decadent of surroundings. Opulent carpets on the floors are matched by the glistening golden décor on the walls and multilevel boxes. A colossal 3,050-kilogramme chandelier hangs from the ceiling, illuminating the decorous fresco of the Greek gods at Olympus which adorns the high ceiling. Tours of the opera house are available in a host of languages, including English.

The Hungarian State Opera House is on Andrássy Avenue, near the Danube. Take the subway or the bus, or stroll up from nearby Heroes' Square.