The prestigious Budapest Opera House will now not reopen until 2021, according to news just revealed in an interview with its artistic director. Speaking with state TV M1 and Kossuth Radio, András Almási-Tóth outlined that an agenda was being planned for the 2021-22 season, indicating a reopening that autumn or winter.

Closed since the end of the 2016-17 season, the Opera House was scheduled to reopen in early 2019, but will now not be operational for another 18 months, according to Almási-Tóth.

This legendary landmark, designed by Miklós Ybl and first unveiled in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph in 1884, was previously renovated 30 years ago.

The current works include the renovation of a stage which has seen more than 10,000 performances, the auditorium, the orchestra pit and workshops, as well as the attic and cellar. During the renovation, the Opera House has moved productions to the Erkel Theatre.