State Opera House reopens after revamp – PHOTO GALLERY

Revamped Hungarian State Opera Panorama Resize

Revamped Hungarian State Opera Photo: MTI/Szigetváry Zsolt

The Hungarian State Opera House, which has undergone a major renovation, was reopened with a festive gala on Saturday.

The opening ceremony was attended by incumbent President János Áder, President-elect Katalin Novák and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Addressing the event, President Áder spoke about the 138-year history of the Opera House, one of the masterpieces of eminent 19th-century architect Miklós Ybl.

Read also: One of the oldest railway stations in Budapest to be renewed, here are the plans — PHOTOS

Revamped Hungarian State Opera Facade — Revamped Hungarian State Opera Photo: MTI/Szigetváry Zsolt

Revamped Hungarian State Opera Photo: MTI/Szigetváry Zsolt

“What a variety of events this building has witnessed and survived: wars and revolutions, conquerors and various forms of government, occupation and regained freedoms.

Several directors who brought about a golden age of opera and some who were certainly unworthy of their post. Old and new, conservative and progressive styles,” the president said.

Revamped Hungarian State Opera Painting — Revamped Hungarian State Opera Photo: MTI/Szigetváry Zsolt

“But eventually, it was the valuable that prevailed. And those who wanted to work on the highest possible standard and knew that the performance of the Budapest opera should be a match for the best in Europe,” he added.