The Opera
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The
opera-house was opened in 1884 among great splendour in the presence of
King Franz Joseph. The building was planned and constructed by
Miklós Ybl, who won the tender among other famous
contemporary architects. It was built in neo-renaissance style along
the famous Andrássy Avenue.
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facade is decorated with the statues of
renowned composers and the Greek Godesses of art. The statues of Erkel
and Liszt by Alajos Stróbl decorate the niches next to the
main entrance. Ferenc Erkel was the first director of the Opera House
and the founder of the Hungarian opera. |
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The
inner decoration was designed to reflect elegance and pomp. Thus the
staircase is covered by marble, the walls are decorated by the frescoes
of illostrious Hungarian painters, the horse-shoe shaped audience hall
is fitted with red and gold and the chandellier from Mainz also
contributes to the elegant atmosphere. The construction took 9 years to
be completed, but when finished, the Operahouse of Budapest was the
most modern one in Europe.
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Visiting the
Opera House:
Daily at 3
and 4pm. guided tours take place
in English and other languages. Tickets cost around 2000 HUF.
http://www.opera.hu/
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