Eiffel Art Studios – Artistic Centre of the Hungarian State Opera

Eiffel Art Studios is the artistic, production, rehearsal and logistics centre of the Hungarian State Opera. The development was created within the listed halls of the former Northern Railway Maintenance Depot of MÁV, giving a new purpose to one of Hungary’s most important examples of industrial architecture.

Designed by János Feketeházy and built between 1884 and 1886, the five-nave steel-framed hall originally served the maintenance of steam locomotives. The conversion had to preserve its generous industrial spaces and historic structures while adapting the building to contemporary cultural and operational functions.

The central hall covers approximately 25,000 square metres. Across the wider development, a total built area of 33,000 square metres and a three-hectare park were renewed. The complex accommodates nine production workshops, rehearsal spaces, and storage facilities for the Opera’s scenery, props and costumes.

The nearly 500-seat Miklós Bánffy Hall is equipped with an orchestra pit suitable for opera productions and a flexible stage-technology system. The Sándor Hevesi Rehearsal Stage corresponds to the dimensions of the stage at the Opera House, while the Ferenc Fricsay Studio provides an appropriate setting for orchestral rehearsals and recordings. These artistic functions are complemented by educational spaces, a visitor centre, an exhibition, a costume-hire service and event areas.

Representing the interests of the client, CÉH zRt. provided project management services. Our responsibilities included coordinating the design and construction processes, monitoring the technical scope, costs and schedules, and supporting the preparation of client decisions.

The project’s main professional challenge was the coordination of the historic structures with the stage-technology and acoustic systems, high-capacity storage areas and modern building services. The former industrial hall was thus given a new cultural function while retaining its defining historic character.

Designer: KÖZTI Zrt.

Lead architect: Miklós Marosi

Awards and recognition:

• Média Építészeti Díja, 2021 – Nagyberuházási Különdíj, (Media Architecture Award, 2021 – Special Award for Large-Scale Developments)
• Építőipari Nívódíj, 2021 – Középület/kulturális kategória, (Hungarian Construction Excellence Award, 2021 – Public and Cultural Building category)