Madách Színház

Enveloped in the heart of Budapest, the Madách Színház stands as a testament to theatrical resilience and artistic innovation. Did you know this iconic theatre rose from the ashes of the Royal Revü Variety? The former variety theatre, which opened in 1908, met its demise in 1953, making way for the Madách Színház’s grand debut. The Madách Színház first opened its doors on March 24, 1961, with a captivating performance of Brecht’s “The Caucasian Chalk Circle.” This inaugural production, directed by Otto Ádám with scenography by Gábor Szinte, set the stage for the theatre’s future as a cultural beacon. The theatre’s design, a masterpiece by Oszkár Kaufmann, was completed posthumously by architects Pál Mináry and Ottó Fábry between 1954 and 1960. The building, a four-story marvel, boasted luxurious details. Think Chinese marble, Venetian tiles in the foyer, and French walnut adorning the stage. Comfortable velvet couches invited patrons to relax, and strategically placed side-doors provided easy access to the seating rows. Even the acoustic boxes were crafted from elegant walnut lattice. The Madách Színház wasn’t just about aesthetics. It was a hub of artistic expression. Artists Eszter Mattoni and György Hegyi contributed their talents. Mattoni created decorative stonework for the bar, while Hegyi’s blue mosaic graced the wall behind the coffee counter. A bust of Imre Madách, the celebrated Hungarian playwright, stood proudly opposite the main entrance. His name, “MADÁCH SZÍNHÁZ,” was emblazoned on the façade in striking steel letters. The theatre underwent a significant expansion and technical upgrade between 1998 and 1999. Architects Mária Siklós and Gábor Schinagl spearheaded the project. The theatre’s area increased by 2,339 square meters, a testament to its growing influence. The grand reopening took place on October 23, 1999, attended by prominent figures, including President Árpád Göncz. Fittingly, the chosen play for this momentous occasion was Imre Madách’s “The Tragedy of Man.” Today, the Madách Színház continues to thrive. It is a renowned venue for musical and entertainment theatre, boasting a seating capacity of 817 in the main auditorium. It also features a studio hall for 200 and the intimate Tolnay Szalon for 100. In 2009, under the direction of Tamás Szirtes, the Madách Színház was a bustling enterprise with 164 employees, further cementing its position as a vital part of Budapest’s cultural landscape.