Photos: Budapest Opera House Reopens After Revamp

The Hungarian State Opera House, which has undergone a major renovation, was reopened with a festive gala on 12 March. The opening ceremony was attended by incumbent President János Áder, President-elect Katalin Novák and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Addressing the event, President Áder spoke about the 138-year history of the Opera House, one of the masterpieces of eminent 19th-century architect Miklós Ybl.

“What a variety of events this building has witnessed and survived: wars and revolutions, conquerors and various forms of government, occupations and regained freedoms. Several directors who brought about a golden age of opera and some who were certainly unworthy of their post. Old and new, conservative and progressive styles,” the president said.

Hungarian State Opera announces 2022/2023 season at the refurbished Opera House

“But eventually, it was the valuable that prevailed. And those who wanted to work on the highest possible standard … and knew that the performance of the Budapest opera should be a match for the best in Europe,” he added.