Palace of Arts is ready for opening

By: Ákos Gózon (Summary), Hungarian Radio

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Budapest is famous for its brand new cultural palace. „The Hungarian nation is repaying a 150-year-old debt with the opening of the Palace of Arts” – say the leaders of the new complex at the river bank of Danube. „This institution, which is unique in Central Europe, opens its doors at an auspicious time: Hungary, as a member of the European Union, is committed to safeguard and develop its cultural identity and values.”

For Hungary it is regarded an investment made for the present – but also for the future. It is a place where tradition and avant-garde can coexist and interact fruitfully, in all branches of the arts.

In keeping with the basic conception of bringing together different branches of the arts under one roof, the building will have permanent residents: the Ludwig Museum for contemporary art, the National Philharmonic Orchestra, Chorus and Music Library and the National Dance Theatre. At the same time, the areas under the common roof, the theatre hall with a seating capacity of almost 500 in the eastern part, the modern National Concert Hall with a seating capacity of more than 1,800 and other impressive multifunctional spaces are open to all participants of Hungarian cultural and economic life. Besides international artists – in music, singing, dance or the fine arts, emerging talented young artists will be welcomed in the newly constructed spaces.

The building’s design – by Zoboki, Demeter and Associates – tries to keep the harmony with its neighbour, the new National Theatre (by Mária Siklós, built in 2002.). High quality execution and the 21st century technological background enable the staging of high quality and large-scale performances. This technical background will make it possible to create a colourful and dynamic cultural and social centre of Central and Eastern Europe beside the Danube. Based on a major urban renewal development program with the Millennium City Centre at its core, a multifunctional and extraordinary architectural spectacle is coming to life in the 9th district of Budapest. The Palace of Arts – on a total area of 10,030 square metres – is part of the Millennium City Centre, which already includes the new National Theatre.