Concert halls
Kodály Centre – Pécs
Since its opening in 2010, the Kodály Centre has operated as one of Hungary’s most modern cultural institutions. Located close to the centre of Pécs, this imposing, multifunctional building houses a large concert hall with a capacity of almost 1000 and acoustics that are outstanding even by international standards: Maxim Vengerov called it an “architectural Stradivarius”, alluding to the hall’s exceptional sound properties. The building’s clean spaces bathed in light, its harmoniously proportioned and high-quality wood and stone surfaces, and its state-of-the-art technical specifications together forge an inspiring environment for performers and audiences alike. Home to the Pannon Philharmonic, the Kodály Centre has hosted prestigious festivals, international productions and a series of contemporary premieres over the past decade and a half. The versatility and atmosphere of the venue simultaneously convey modern and deeply rooted cultural values.
Liszt Academy Grand Hall – Budapest
The Grand Hall of the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music has been a focal point for Hungarian musical life since 1907. The painstakingly restored Art Nouveau building, with its rich ornamentation, Zsolnay ceramics and gilded details, is a work of art in itself. The hall’s exceptional acoustics and seating capacity for around 850 people place it among the world’s great concert venues, although the space is nonetheless able to preserve the intimate relationship between the audience and performers. Founded in 1875 and for the past 12 years also operating as an independent concert centre, the Liszt Academy is far more than just a venue: it is a workshop for generations of artists and a living embodiment of Liszt’s legacy, a place where tradition and novelty engage in natural dialogue. Equipped with state-of-the-art stage technology, its Grand Hall has witnessed countless legendary moments in Hungarian and international music history – from Bartók’s early appearances to concerts by today’s global stars.
Müpa Budapest – Béla Bartók National Concert Hall – Budapest
The Béla Bartók National Concert Hall at Müpa Budapest is one of the most modern and impressive concert venues in the region. Located on the Danube embankment and with excellent transport connections, the complex is a fine example of contemporary architecture and technology. The hall, designed by Gábor Zoboki, evokes the interior of a cathedral with its 25-metre height, capacity of nearly 1,700, and flexible acoustic infrastructure developed by Russell Johnson. Together, these features produce a perfect soundscape and represent an ideal setting for the widest variety of genres – from solo recitals and large-scale orchestral concerts to monumental oratorios and popular productions. The clean aesthetics of the interior spaces, the harmony of wood and stone, and the contemporary design language are in perfect harmony. Müpa Budapest has become a defining cultural meeting point where international stars and Hungarian artists feel equally at home – a confident, authentic modern space that fully satisfies every demand of the 21st-century concert experience.
