Do you want a tour into the history, architecture, and the world-class opera? Then you should definitely visit the Budapest Opera House. A masterpiece considered throughout the world, it has architecture that has no competition. The construction of this place was inaugurated in the year 1875, founded by the city of Budapest and the emperor Franz Joseph 1 of Austria-Hungary. Today, it is considered to be the second largest opera house in Budapest.
History
Budapest Opera house was originally built by Miklos Ybl, a well-known architecture in the 19th century. It was in the same century when tourist groups commenced to explore this place but it was later in 1835 when the whole Budapest opera house changed. It was the time when part of the Kosice national opera and theatrical troupe came to Buda. They decided to take it over and in 1835 they were combined with another troupe. By 1837, they were all established under the name Magyar Szinhaz, also known as Hungarian Theatre. The name was later changed into Nemzeti Szinhaz, also known as National Theatre. Throughout the history, Budapest Opera house has welcomed many important and well-known artists as guests here including the world famous composer Gustav Mahler, who was also the director from the year 1888 to 1891. Budapest Opera house was also graced by the presence of Otto Klemperer, who remained a music director from the year 1947 to 1950. In the 1970s, the building was temporarily closed down for renovation, and it opened again exactly 100 years after the original opening in 1984.
Architecture
The beautiful Budapest Opera house has been decorated in a symmetrical façade which follows an original musical theme. The figures of two prominent musical composers welcome you by the entrance door: Ferenc Erkel and Franz Liszt. The ceiling is done in murals which indicate the nine muses.