Founded by Magyar maestro Ferenc Liszt in 1875, his namesake Academy of Music is Hungary’s premier institution of musical education, recently celebrating its 140th anniversary with a special program. As the highlight of these festivities, the complete renovation of the Academy’s landmark Art Nouveau building was completed with the installation of floodlights focusing on the façade’s statues on the frontispiece, the coat of arms, the obelisks on the two corners, and the central sculpture of Liszt. Thanks to these new lights, Liszt Ferenc Square now has an even more special atmosphere.

The 140-year-old Academy of Music introduced its 2015/16 season’s spring concerts and their eight new types of season passes as a part of an unconventional press conference that took place at night. World-renowned artists like Joshua Bell and Anna Prohaska will perform next year in this extraordinary building facing Liszt Ferenc Square, which was constructed in 1907 and then completely restored to its original glory in recent years. From now on, concertgoers and passersby can admire the famous building’s beautiful façade after the sun has sunk below the horizon, adding to the charm of this open-space oasis in the heart of central Pest. Find more information about the Liszt Academy’s concert program here.