"The project achieves a careful balance between the restoration of a historic theatre and modern performance requirements. Outstanding multidisciplinary work and the integration of advanced, sustainable technologies support the continued operation of the Hungarian State Opera House at the highest professional level," Parzinger quoted the jury as saying.

The most prestigious heritage protection award was handed to 30 projects in 18 countries this year.

“Today we celebrate a distinction that connects Europe’s past, present and future,” emphasised Gábor Zupkó, Head of the Representation of the European Union in Hungary.

He noted that for more than two decades the Europa Nostra Awards have highlighted the most outstanding heritage conservation projects and initiatives, as well as the individuals behind them who are committed to preserving and passing on Europe’s shared cultural heritage. 

“This prestigious recognition not only rewards achievements in heritage conservation, but also shines a light on the European values behind them: cooperation, innovation and shared responsibility.” 

He also recalled that from among the thirty outstanding initiatives announced each year, the public can vote for their favourite, “thereby reinforcing that cultural heritage is truly a shared cause”. This year’s awarded projects also demonstrate that the prize encourages sustainability, community cohesion and economic resilience, he added.

“The Budapest Opera House is one of Europe’s most significant opera houses, and in terms of its architectural and acoustic qualities it belongs to the very top tier,” highlighted architect Gábor Zoboki, head of the architectural firm ZDA – Zoboki Design & Architecture, which carried out the reconstruction.

He added that over the past thirty years Hungarian architecture has experienced a flourishing period that deserves recognition through such an internationally significant European award. On such occasions, it is not a single architect but an entire community that is honoured; it is a recognition of a whole profession, he stressed.

In Hungary there are still – and, “we hope, will continue to be” – professionals capable of delivering such a complex restoration, emphasised Attila Sághi, Deputy CEO for Technical Affairs at Városliget Ltd.

Echoing Gábor Zoboki’s remarks, he added that the true award winners are the specialists, including carpenters, joiners and decorative painters, who took part in the reconstruction works.

Votes for the 2026 Public Choice Award, whose winner will receive €10,000, can be cast by those interested in cultural heritage until 12 May at https://vote.europanostra.org/.

The awards ceremony will take place on 28 May at the Municipal Theatre of Nicosia in Cyprus, where the Grand Prix laureates and the Public Choice Award winner will also be announced.

More about the award here

MTI Stock Photo

Source: MTI – Hungary’s national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent.

Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media.

XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com

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