Kiskirálylány

A statue of little Princess (Kiskirálylány) sitting on the railings of the Danube promenade in Budapest is modeled after the eldest daughter, Évike, of the scuruptore, László Marton (1925–2008). It became a symbol of Budapest since its foundation in 1990.

"Évike, aged around 6, played in a little princess costume by pretending her bathrobe as cloak and a hat László made from newspaper as crown", László said in 2007.

The same statue can be seen in in Tapolca, the artist's hometown and in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space (東京芸術劇場) cultural center's concert hall. JAPAN!!

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 Kids just wanna have fun!

Wishing you a Happy New Year 2023!

Széchenyi lánchíd

A view of Chain Bridge from Buda side at night.

Street Snapshots in Prague

Photos were taken while rambling Prague downtown...

A Happy New Year 2020

As usual, I headed for downtown for watching official fireworks organized by Olomouc city.

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

St. Stephen's Day In Hungary 2019

This is my second time celebrating the foundation of the Hungarian state. 
If you are curious about St. Stephen's Day in Hungary, please visit this.

Similar to last year, all fireworks photos shown here were taken from the sightseeing boat anchored on the Buda side of the Danube river. We expected fireworks to be shot in front of the Parliament.

It was, however, unfortunate that the position of five boats shooting fireworks was in a far-right position. 

A Happy New Year 2019

Along with Queen's songs official fireworks took place at 18:00 under chick clouds. 

I'd say that we are very fortunate that the rain resumed to fall upon us and got stronger soon after fireworks ended.

Wishing you a Happy New Year 2019!

St. Stephen's Day In Hungary

The 20th of August is a National holiday in Hungary. Hungarians commemorate the foundation of the Hungarian state.

It's called St. Stephen's day because it's his feast day. He encouraged the spread of Christianity and turned it into a legitimate Christian state. Stephen I is the first king of Hungary, who was canonized by Pope Gregory VII. 

Festivities start in the morning with the raising of the Hungarian flag and continue on all day long, culminating in spectacular fireworks on the Danube river!!!

Wherever fireworks take place, I am there!!! 

A Happy New Year 2018 Part Two

The official fireworks New Year's ceremony took place at 18:00 today. Contrary to unofficial fireworks at midnight, there are tons of people gathered there. 

Well, rather say, it was too many...

A Happy New Year 2018

I went to Olomouc downtown to take photos of fireworks that are ignited by drunk locals. My ears still hurt by explosion noises...

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

Magyar Állami Operaház

Hungarian State Opera House (Magyar Állami Operaház) is a lavish neo-Renaissance opera house that is originally known as the Hungarian Royal Opera House. It is the second-largest opera house located on Andrássy Avenue. 

For those who are into opera performances, ongoing programs, and the history of the hose, please visit HP. Since this is a photoblog, I'd stress more on the stunning interior view.

Auditorium

In front of the building are statues of Ferenc Erkel and Franz Liszt. Liszt is the best-known Hungarian composer. Erkel composed the Hungarian national anthem, and was the first music director of the Opera House; he was also the founder of the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra.

façade

The opera house was designed by the Hungarian architect Mikós Ybl, whereas the Baroque ornamentation, sweeping marble staircases, frescoed ceilings, vast chandeliers, rich velvets, and gilded tiers of seats in the auditorium were mainly contributed by Hungarian painters, Bertalan Székely, Károly Lotz and Mór Than.

Ticket counter

Construction began in 1875, funded by the city of Budapest and by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary. The new house opened with great fanfare on September 27, 1884. In the 1970s the state of the building prompted the Hungarian State to order a major renovation which eventually began in 1980 and lasted till 1984. The reopening was held exactly 100 years after the original opening, on 27th September 1984.

Foyer

As soon as entering the building, you notice that, in its beauty and the quality of acoustics, the Opera House is considered to be amongst the finest opera houses in the world. The foyer is supported by nine marble columns. The vaulted ceiling is covered in murals by Bertalan Székely and Mór Than. They depict the nine Muses.

Grand staircase

A vast, sweeping staircase was an important element of the opera house as it allowed ladies to show off their new gowns. This is the meeting point where the guided tour starts.

Feszty Bar

Feszty bar (Opera Cafe) is the place to enjoy booze and light meals before, during or after the show. The bar is flanked by corridors that used to be the place for smoking in the past...

Royal staircase

The royal staircase is a private entrance from the carriage ramp in Dalszínház street leading to the parlors on the first floor. This somehow reminds me of Ceremonial Stair Hall in Hungarian National Assembly (see this entry)...

Two bronze statues and portraits are exhibited there.

Auditorium -  a view from the VIP room on the second floor

The biggest attraction of the tour is, needless to say, the horseshoe-shaped, three-floored auditorium!!! Rich in gold red colors with a stunning fresco in the ceiling, the auditorium is capable of accommodating 1261 audiences.

Boxes

Mikós Ybl’s neo-renaissance palace has remained virtually unchanged in the 130 years since and continues to attract admirers of opera and ballet alike.

Visiting tours with a mini concert (option) in several languages are available here. No need to book in advance. Be there prior to the tour.