Constructed under the supervision of architect Miklos Ybl in 1884, the Opera House of Budapest is a work of art in itself, and is as impressive as the operas staged here. The building, with a horse-shoe structure, has elements of neo-Renaissance architecture coupled with hints of Baroque motifs. It is beautifully decked with artwork and paintings of famous Hungarian artists like Bertalan Székely and Károly Lotz. It can accommodate 1261 people and is known to have one of the best sound systems in the area. A tour of the premises can be undertaken, which can be booked on phone.
Housed within the Royal Buda Castle, on Szent György tér, the National Gallery is a not-to-be-missed attraction for art lovers and enthusiasts. Established in 1957, the prestigious gallery is home to almost the entire history of Hungarian art; thus chronicling the progress of fine arts in the country. Some of the artworks housed here date as far back as 10th Century! Some of the masterpieces featured in this glorious institution includes Woman Dressed in Polka Dots Robe by József Rippl-Rónai and Mihály Munkácsy's Christ before Pontius Pilate. Open all week, except Mondays, the Hungarian National Gallery or Magyar Nemzeti Galéria, as it is locally called, is open to general population between 10a and 6p.
Located across Akácfa street, the Fogasház is a popular nightspot-cum-entertainment venue. During the day, it is a thriving art hub that welcomes performers and stages concerts, drama and other gigs. It also has its own art gallery that gives amateur artists a chance to display their collections. As the evening sets in, Fogasház transforms into cool pub complete with a DJ. For more details, call ahead.
One of Budapest's most vibrant entertainment and cultural venues, the Akvárium Klub hosts some of the best new and established musical talent. The club features multiple performance venues and halls - KisHall, NagyHall, VOLT music bar and the Terasz - each with its own individual character, ensuring there is something for everyone. The club's in-house restaurant, the Aqua Bistro is ideal for a family brunch or casual dinner, while the Volt bar is perfect for after-hours drinks. Dance lessons, painting classes, wine appreciation courses are just some of the engaging activities you can find on their events calender. The Akvárium Klub is a true cultural hub for all ages.
Located in the Castle District of Budapest, the beautiful building of the National Dance Theater or the Nemzeti Táncszínház is simply hard to miss. The theater is a breeding ground for talents in the field of dance, from classical to contemporary they welcome all with open arms. It boasts of near-perfect acoustics, elegant furniture and gilded decorations which create a perfect mood for the spectacle that awaits to delight spectators. Since the end of the 20th Century, National Dance Theater (Nemzeti Táncszínház) has focused on professional dance shows; such is the popularity of this place that several local, national as well as international dance troupes consider it their honor to be able to perform here. For dance aficionados this place is surely a gem that cannot be missed.
The town of Szentendre is known for its unique open-air museum. The Szabadtéri Néprajzi Múzeum has live recreations of the medieval village. You can get on one of the several trams or buses, take a guided tour or simply walk around this open air museum. Here you will find residential buildings, cellars, workshops, bakeries, farms and a lot more. Besides this, the museum also showcases exhibits like furniture, utensils and maps. If you are passing by this quaint little town of Szentendre, then ensure that you visit this open air museum, for some very long lasting memories of this place.
Lipták Villa is a part of the non-profit organization Cserepesház, and offers a variety of family-friendly programs. From craft, dance and art classes for children, to festivals, art exhibitions and club meetings, the community center offers a plethora of activities that can be enjoyed as a family. The center is housed within a historic, 20th-century residence that has been sensitively converted into a community space. Lipták Villa's main hall is also available on hire for private events.
INDA Galéria is regarded as one of the city's best contemporary art galleries. The center is a creative space for both established and up-and-coming new talent to exhibit their original artwork. The gallery's curatorial staff aim to create exhibitions that are insightful as well as aesthetically pleasing. An emphasis on mixed media ensures the exhibitions are interesting and engaging for all audiences. Artists like AKA, Lajos Csontó, Kim Corbisier and Péter Somody are represented here, each of whom bring their unique style and vision to the public space via the gallery's temporary exhibitions.
Open Society Archives is a storehouse and research center for archives related to history after World War II. Most of the archives are related to the Cold War, Soviet Bloc, human rights and communist propaganda. George Soros, one of the world's richest billionaires, started the center to conduct and store research on post-war history of East Europe. Located within the Central European University, it offers graduate programs in topics like Documentary Cinema, Human Rights and Digital Archives. The in-house library is a treasure trove of archival material while the Galeria Centralis organizes performances, lectures, conventions, art exhibitions and film screenings related to modern European history.
The moment you enter this magnificent theater called Madách Színház you are awestruck by its royal look. The interiors are replete with red upholstery and ample but subtle lighting. While the seating is comfortable, the fantastic sound and technology makes witnessing any kind of an event here pleasurable and an experience to remember. Fantastic dramas, plays and musicals take place. Check the website or call ahead for additional information.
If you enjoy theater alot, then perhaps you should head to this amazing theater called Örkény Színház. A word of advise would be to book well in advance, so as not to miss out on the fun. Plays whether serious or humorous can take place without a hitch;the state-of-the-art technology makes sure that it happens. Check the website or call ahead for further details regarding timings and the varied shows on offer.