Discovering the State Opera House
- Gems of Budapest
- Jun 2
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 29
The Hungarian State Opera House stands in the heart of Budapest on Andrássy Avenue. The building is a magnificent testament to the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a curious traveler, the Opera House offers a captivating experience that goes beyond its world-class performances.
The Front of the The State Opera House in Budapest, Hungary at night
Where to find it?
1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 22.
How to get there by public transport?
Metro line M1 (stop: Opera)
No. 105 and 210 buses (stop: Opera)
No. 70 and 78 trolley buses (stop: Andrássy út /Opera)
Famous Composers connected to the Opera House
Designed by the renowned architect Miklós Ybl, the Opera House is a prime example of Neo-Renaissance architecture with a touch of Baroque opulence. Completed in 1884, its grand façade features intricate sculptures, including statues of famous composers.
Statues of two famous Hungarian composers are located at the main entrance:
Franz Liszt (1811 to 1886) sitting on the right side of the main entrance is the prolific 19th-century composer and pianist.
Ferenc Erkel (1810–1893) sitting on the left side is the composer of Hungary's national anthem and the opera house's first director, he was the founder of Hungarian national opera, composer of Bánk bán, Hunyadi László, and Dózsa György operas.
Sixteen famous composers are represented by white limestone statues that stand on the parapet of the upper level:
Monteverdi, Scarlatti, Gluck, Mozart, Beethoven, Rossini, Donizetti, Glinka, Wagner, Verdi, Gounod, Bizet, Mussorgsky, Tchaikovsky, Moniuszko, Smetana
The front roof of the The State Opera House in Budapest, source: licensed from Shutterstock
as you step inside, you're greeted by a lavish interior adorned with marble columns, ornate frescoes, and a breathtaking chandelier weighing over three tons
The Front of the The State Opera House in Budapest, Hungary in 1930, source: Fortepan, Tibor Somlai
Famous historical anecdotes connected to the Opera House
Franz Joseph’s “compliment” - the Viennese rivalry
When Emperor Franz Joseph I attended the grand opening in 1884, he was suitably impressed by Ybl’s masterpiece. However, according to legend, after the performance he remarked dryly: “It is magnificent — even if it is not as large as the one in Vienna.” Budapest took this as both a back-handed compliment and a badge of pride. Ever since, locals like to say that while Vienna’s opera is bigger, Budapest’s is more beautiful and sounds better — and even some acoustic experts agree!
Sisi’s secret box
Empress Elisabeth of Austria (“Sisi”) adored music and loved to visit the Budapest Opera. But she disliked being the centre of attention, so the Opera designed for her a private royal box — not the central royal box, but an inconspicuous side one with its own entrance via the Royal Staircase. The story goes that she would arrive quietly through a side door from the carriage court, accompanied by only one lady-in-waiting, to enjoy performances unannounced. Her box (on the first tier, right-hand side) is still pointed out on guided tours today.
The mirror staircase secret
The Grand Staircase was designed to impress the audience as much as the stage did. Miklós Ybl calculated that when people walked up, the mirrors would double the perceived height of the hall - creating an illusion of grandeur larger than in Vienna. Guides sometimes joke that “Ybl’s best special effect doesn’t need stage machinery.”
Restoration and Preservation
The Hungarian State Opera House, a cornerstone of Budapest’s cultural scene, recently underwent an extensive renovation, reopening its doors to the public with even greater splendor. This monumental project, completed in 2022, aimed to preserve the historical essence of the building while incorporating modern updates to enhance visitor experience and performance quality.
A key objective of the renovation was to carefully restore the architectural elements that define the Opera House as a Neo-Renaissance masterpiece. Skilled craftsmen and conservators dedicated their efforts to cleaning and repairing the detailed frescoes by Károly Lotz, the marble columns, and the elaborate sculptures embellishing the façade and interiors. The grand chandelier in the auditorium, a focal point, was also thoroughly cleaned and restored to maintain its dazzling effect for audiences.
The Main Lobby of the The State Opera House in Budapest, Hungary
Acoustics
A major aspect of the renovation centered on enhancing the auditorium's acoustics. Although the Opera House was already famous for its outstanding sound quality, modern technology provided opportunities for further improvement. The opptimized sound distribution guarantees that every note is heard with clarity and precision, regardless of whether you're sitting in the front row or the upper balconies.
The Auditorium of the The State Opera House in Budapest, Hungary
Modern Amenities
The seating in the auditorium was refurbished to provide greater comfort, and accessibility features were improved to accommodate all visitors. New lighting and stage technologies were installed, including state-of-the-art rigging and audiovisual systems, enabling more complex and visually stunning productions.
The Painted Ceiling and the Main Chandelier in the The State Opera House in Budapest, Hungary
Visitor Experience
The Opera Café has been enlarged to provide a broader selection of refreshments, making it an ideal place to relax before the show or during intermission. Furthermore, a new multimedia exhibition area has been established, featuring interactive displays on the history and importance of the Opera House, offering visitors a more in-depth understanding.
The recent renovations have breathed new life into the Budapest Opera House, blending the preservation of its historic charm with the introduction of contemporary comforts and technologies.
World-Class Performances
Experiencing a performance at the Budapest Opera House is unmatched. The venue offers a wide array of operas, ballets, and classical music concerts. Its outstanding acoustics and luxurious setting enhance every performance to a superior level. Make sure to reserve your tickets ahead of time, as the shows frequently sell out fast.
Café and Souvenirs
After immersing yourself in the artistic atmosphere, relax at the Opera Café. This delightful location provides a variety of Hungarian pastries, coffee, and light meals, making it an ideal spot to unwind and contemplate your visit. Before departing, visit the souvenir shop to collect a keepsake of your experience at this iconic venue.
The Budapest Opera House offers more than just a performance; it's an exploration of Hungarian culture and history. From admiring its stunning architecture and wandering through its historic halls to experiencing a top-tier performance, this iconic venue ensures an unforgettable visit for every traveler. Be sure to include it in your Budapest itinerary - it's a cultural treasure you shouldn't miss.
