Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP SIGHT
HUNGARIAN STATE OPERA HOUSE
The small but perfectly formed Hungarian State Opera House is home to the state op-
era company and the Hungarian National Ballet. Rivalled only by the Ferenc Liszt
Music Academy as the city's most important venue for serious cultural performances,
it is said to have the third-best acoustics in Europe after Milan's La Scala and the
Opéra Garnier in Paris; the latter had apparently inspired architect Miklós Ybl when he
designed the neo-Renaissance building, which opened in 1884. The facade is be-
decked with statues of opera greats Liszt, Mozart, Verdi and Puccini. Inside, prepare
to be dazzled by themain h
all, with its marble columns, gilded vaulted ceilings, murals
and chandeliers. The horseshoe-shapedaudit
in hall
iumwith its (for the time) innovative
proscenium arch stage and magnificent ceiling painted by Károly Lotz holds a relat-
ively small number of spectators (1261), but because of the excellent acoustics even
those in the 3rd-floor gallery are happy. Hungarians approach music as the French do
wine. Performances here are never stuffy and you are as likely to see people in jeans
as more formal dress. If you cannot attend an opera, ballet or concert here, join one of
the tours. Tickets are available from the souvenir shop inside to the left.
uditorrium
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