The Hungarian State Opera is the only place where you can experience the perfect harmony of music, literature, dance, fine and applied arts, theatre and architecture.
The Hungarian Royal Opera was designed by Miklós Ybl and it was opened - fitting its name - by the Hungarian king and Austrian emperor of the period, Francis Joseph on 27 September 1884. Since then it has been considered one of the most beautiful opera houses of the world: its excellent acoustics, well-planned air-conditioning system, and nicely proportioned design are unique in the 19th century Hungarian architecture. This primus inter pares institution is a real treasure house.
As it is the only theatre having a large cast and specialising in operas and ballets, the Hungarian State Opera is a prominent institution of Hungary. Since it was opened 123 years ago, the most famous singers and ballet performers have appeared on its stage, such as the most famous tenors from Caruso through Gigli, Pavarotti, Domingo to Carreras.
It is one of the theatres of Europe which performs a huge repertory of plays and it fulfils its special mission by performing national plays as well as by keeping the most famous plays of universal literature in the repertory.