Comedy Theatre of Budapest, Art Nouveau theatre in District XIII, Budapest, Hungary
The Comedy Theatre of Budapest, known locally as Vígszínház, is an Art Nouveau theatre building on Szent István körút in District XIII designed by architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer. The interior includes several tiers of balconies, a large auditorium, and a main stage framed by elaborate stucco work, chandeliers, and gilded detailing.
The theatre opened in 1896 on land that had previously been swampland, financed by Count István Keglevich and other investors as part of the cultural expansion taking place across Budapest. It suffered damage during World War II and the 1956 revolution but was restored each time and has remained a leading venue for Hungarian stage performance.
The name Vígszínház translates directly as "Theatre of Merriment," reflecting the founders' intention to offer lighter entertainment alongside serious drama. Audiences still come here for a mix of comedy, musicals, and thought-provoking plays performed by one of Hungary's most established acting ensembles.
The building stands on Szent István körút along the grand boulevard and can be reached easily by public transport, with several tram and bus lines stopping nearby. Performances typically take place in the evening, and tickets can be booked online in advance to help secure preferred seating.
The theatre operates a smaller venue called Pesti Színház in District V, which hosts more intimate productions and performances aimed at younger audiences. This secondary stage allows the company to expand its repertoire and experiment with formats that would not suit the main hall.
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