Nationaltheater, Theatre building in Pest, Hungary
The Nationaltheater is a theatre complex on the southern bank of the Danube in Pest, Budapest, with a main auditorium, a smaller stage, and an open-air performance space. The building sits within a landscaped park that includes sculptures and water features, which can be visited outside of performance hours.
The first Hungarian-language national theatre opened in 1837 at a different site in Budapest, marking the start of an institutionalized stage tradition in the country's own language. The current building was completed in the early 2000s after decades of discussion about where and how to build a new home for the institution.
The park around the building displays sculptures of actors and playwrights who shaped Hungarian theatre over generations. Walking through it feels like a slow introduction to the people behind the country's stage tradition.
The theatre is on the southern riverbank and can be reached on foot or by public transport from the city centre. Arriving a little early is worth it, since the surrounding park and outdoor spaces are easy to explore before or after a show.
Part of the facade from a previous theatre building was incorporated into the current complex when it was built, so a fragment of the older structure can still be seen on the grounds. It sits in an unexpected spot and is easy to walk past without noticing it.
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