It’s worth including Pesti Vigadó on your cultural agenda when planning an edifying night out in the Hungarian capital. From rhythmic jazz shows to classical concerts and live streaming from the Royal Opera House in London, this stunning multi-story building on Pest’s Danube Promenade hosts a fine selection of eclectic events this winter. Prolific Hungarian composer Franz Liszt also saw the potential of this urban palace back in the 19th century, and appeared onstage at the predecessor of the historic edifice, called the Redoute, the first public concert hall in Budapest.
When the Redoute was demolished on today’s Vigadó Square during the Hungarian Revolution against rule from Vienna in 1849, the city required a new entertainment venue. Sixteen years later, the Pesti Vigadó opened its doors to welcome culture-hungry visitors to its ornate interiors, designed by Frigyes Feszl, a significant architect of the Hungarian romantic movement. Soon the building turned into a bustling cultural space for classical concerts and grand balls, hosting globally revered music masters such as Johann Strauss the Younger, Claude Debussy, and Richard Wagner, who performed at a concert here alongside Franz Liszt.
Besides staging entertainment, the building’s intricately decorated halls also witnessed significant events in history. The riverfront palace housed the coronation ball of Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elizabeth, and it was here that the unification document of Pest, Buda and Óbuda was signed in 1873, forming today’s Budapest.
The Pesti Vigadó continued to entice the city elite until it was seriously damaged during World War II. The building remained closed until 1980, when its roof was finally reinstalled, enabling this institution to continue staging cultural events. Complete restoration of this opulent structure did not take place for another quarter century. At long last, following a ten-year renovation, Pesti Vigadó reopened anew in 2014 and now shines in its original splendor, once more becoming one of Budapest’s most significant cultural centers. The multiple-hall structure features acclaimed local and international performers, reflected in the attractive current wintertime schedule.
On December 28th, Hungarian flamenco star Zsófia Pirók gives a dynamic dance show performed to a blend of genres, including classical music, jazz and reggae, all played by the local Melodika Project. On December 31st, celebrating concertgoers bid farewell to 2017 with a French-themed New Year’s Eve swing show, presented by renowned vocalist Micheller Myrtill and the Swing à la Django band. On January 3rd, the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra welcomes audiences into 2018 performing classical favorites alongside award-winning Hungarian opera singer Andrea Meláth.
If you want to see Puccini’s Tosca streamed live from the Royal Opera House in London, reserve your seat here on February 7th and immerse yourself into the dramatic scenes. In addition to live shows, the Vigadó is home to temporary exhibitions, displaying paintings, sculptures and installations by mainly Hungarian artists.
Those who want to see what’s behind this statuesque façade can sign up for a guided tour run in multiple languages (including English) to admire this overwhelmingly beautiful interior influenced by Renaissance and Moorish styles. Enhanced with massive marble columns, colorful stained-glass windows, gilded surfaces, oversized frescoes and classic chandeliers, the Vigadó’s also features a grand staircase, the idea of architect Frigyes Feszl to augment the building’s original splendor.
Inside the Vigadó and across the façade, characteristic Hungarian design elements abound, highlighting Magyar inventions and arts. Right beside the grand stairwell stands the groundbreaking Bogányi piano with its distinctive sound system, named after its inventor, Hungarian pianist Gergely Bogányi. Through the elegantly equipped concert hall, even the upholstery of the seats is designed to support 21st-century acoustics.
The guided tour then takes you to the rooftop terrace, where you can take in panoramic views over the Danube, boats gliding by backdropped by Buda cityscape, elevated Castle Hill and the elaborate Várkert Bazaar. Towards the end of the tour, visitors traverse a passage that displays a timeline to highlight key historical details of the Pesti Vigadó and the Redoute. The walk concludes with a quiz game with questions about the building, with prizes such as discounted admission on tickets and more.
Individual guided tours cost 2,900 forints per person. For more information about walks and events, visit the official website of Pesti Vigadó.
