Hungarian National Opera (Magyar Allami Operahaz), Budapest

At the opera foreign classics, the likes of Mozart, Wagner, and Puccini, are performed just as the works of Hungarian composers Bartók, Kodály, Erkel, Emil Petrovics or Sándor Szokolay's. It has been a prestigious and unique venue for centuries, a virtual citadel of Hungarian operatic performances.

The history of Hungarian opera dates back more than 300 years, although the formal opening of the Opera House did not take place until 27th September 1884. The centennial of the opening was an opportunity for technical modernisation, renovation of both interior and exterior, and finally presentation once again to the public. This magnificent location is also home to ballet performances and other elegant functions, in addition to the classical Opera performances.

The Opera House has a second venue for opera performances in Budapest, the Erkel Theatre (Erkel Színház, 30 Köztársaság tér, 1081 Budapest, ticket office: 1/333-0540). The Erkel Theatre has belonged to the Hungarian State Opera since 1951, and as such, has been a venue of many significant performances and guest performances over the years.

Ticket offices at both locations may remain open past the designated hours up to the time of the performance.

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