A striking theatre in a dramatic park
The National Theatre, Budapest will have you star-struck at first glance. Designed by architect Mária Siklós, it’s a remarkable modern building. Decorated with statues of the nine muses and with an arc-shaped glass front, it’s as dramatic as the productions it puts on.
Even if you don’t go inside you’ll still be captivated by the surroundings. The park encompassing the theatre features statues of famous Hungarian actors. And from out of a pond the bow of a ship emerges, behind which is a scale model of the classical front of what was the former People's Theatre.
A theatre looking for a home
The National Theatre originally opened in 1837. Since then it has moved many times – even back to the original building at the Kerepesi Street. The current building was proposed in the 2000, opening in 2002 as the company’s magnificent new home.
Take a Big Bus Tour of Budapest and visit the National Theatre at its site near the Danube River. Why not check out what’s on when you arrive and enjoy a performance while you’re here?
Other interesting facts about the National Theatre, Budapest
- The theatre opened on 15th March 2002, with a performance of Imre Madách's ‘The Tragedy of Man’
- The National Theatre has three different venues and the main auditorium seats 619
- The park has a gate draped in a stage curtain, created by sculptor Miklós Melocco
