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State Opera

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State Opera (Hungary)

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The Hungarian State Opera is one of the most significant 19th-century architectural monuments in Budapest, located on the prestigious Andrassy Avenue. Designed by the renowned architect Miklós Ybl in the Neo-Renaissance style, the building was constructed between 1875 and 1884. The grand opening took place on September 27, 1884, attended by Emperor Franz Joseph I, who provided a substantial portion of the funding. The facade is adorned with statues of famous composers such as Ferenc Erkel and Franz Liszt, while the interior features lavish gold leaf and Carrara marble. The horseshoe-shaped auditorium is celebrated for its world-class acoustics, often cited among the best in Europe. The ceiling of the main hall is decorated with a monumental fresco by Károly Lotz depicting the gods of Olympus. Beyond its architectural grandeur, the Opera House serves as the premier venue for opera and ballet in Hungary. Following an extensive multi-year renovation, the building reopened in 2022, showcasing restored historical interiors and modernized stage technology.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

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Avg °C-2051116212322171150
Rain mm394041356570666357514443

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The building can be visited inside via guided tours. Visitors can explore the magnificent interiors and the auditorium.
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Typical hours
Guided tours typically take place during the day, while evenings are reserved for opera performances. It is common for the opera house to open from 10 AM on performance days.
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Photography
Photography without flash is allowed in most areas during guided tours. Near the stage, flash use may be restricted out of respect.
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Time needed
A typical guided tour of the opera house lasts about one hour. For a performance, you should plan at least two hours.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with a walk along Andrássy Avenue to Heroes’ Square. The Opera House is also close to the shopping street and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.
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Getting there
The entrance is on Andrássy Avenue, easily reachable by metro line M1 to Opera station. You can also take tram 4 or 6 followed by a short walk.
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Insider tip
Book your guided tour online in advance to avoid waiting. Wear comfortable shoes, as you will explore the staircases and corridors thoroughly.

Geography

Coordinates
47.50000, 19.05000

Facts

  • Construction spanned 9 years, from 1875 to 1884.
  • Emperor Franz Joseph I funded the project on the condition that it would not exceed the size of the Vienna State Opera.
  • The auditorium has a seating capacity of approximately 1,200 people.
  • The main chandelier weighs over 2,000 kilograms and was made in Mainz.
  • About 7 kilograms of 24-carat gold were used for the interior gilding.
  • The building reopened in March 2022 after a comprehensive five-year restoration.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Nyugati Railway StationNyugati Railway Station1 km · NEExplore →
Great Market HallGreat Market Hall2 km · SEExplore →
Gellért HillGellért Hill2 km · SExplore →
Vajdahunyad CastleVajdahunyad Castle3 km · NEExplore →
Margaret IslandMargaret Island3 km · NExplore →
Sas HillSas Hill3 km · SWExplore →
Pálvölgyi CavePálvölgyi Cave4 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town State Opera (10)

Budapest Retro Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Budapest, displaying everyday objects and memories from the socialist era.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-20:00💶

House of Hungarians

Cultural centre in Budapest, presenting Hungarian traditions and contemporary art.

CEU Nyitott Galéria

Gallery of Central European University in Budapest, with temporary exhibitions.

Gresham Palace

Building in Hungary, an Art Nouveau palace on the Danube, now a luxury hotel.

Magyarság Háza Galéria

Gallery in the House of Hungarians in Budapest, exhibiting Hungarian fine arts.

Széchenyi István tér🌳 park

Square in Budapest, Hungary, named after István Széchenyi, with park areas.

Ferris Wheel of Budapest

Ferris wheel in Budapest, Hungary, offering panoramic views of the city.

Szent István-bazilika kincstára

Treasury of St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest, containing liturgical objects.

Aranytíz Kultúrház

Cultural centre and gallery in Budapest, hosting exhibitions and events.

Metró Kiállítóterem🏛 museum

Museum in Budapest, an exhibition hall about the history of the Budapest Metro.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the Opera House?
The Neo-Renaissance building was designed by Miklós Ybl and opened to the public in 1884.
Are there guided tours without attending a show?
Yes, guided building tours are held daily in several languages during the afternoon hours.
Is there a mandatory dress code?
Elegant attire is recommended for performances; there is no specific dress code for guided tours.
Who was Sisi, and did she have her own box?
Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) loved the Opera; her ornate former box on the first floor can still be seen.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, for popular opera and ballet performances, it is highly recommended to buy tickets weeks or months in advance.
State Opera: where is it located?
State Opera is located in Budapest, Hungary.
State Opera: what is there to see?
Highlights include Budapest Retro Museum, House of Hungarians, CEU Nyitott Galéria.
State Opera: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
State Opera: why is it worth visiting?
The Hungarian State Opera is one of the most significant 19th-century architectural monuments in Budapest, located on the prestigious Andrassy Avenue.
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