Theaters (theatres) – All our local tips

Once upon a time there was a building of public ownership. Some people thought a public space should be filled with public and arts and alcohol – thus Sirály was born. Located in the Jewish district the place has roots in the Jewish culture mostly represented by the cultural programmes.

Every year Sirály goes on a summer holiday and reopens in September with new colours and prices. Bulk beer got cheaper this September:)

Sirály has much more than you see at first sight. When you step inside, you find yourself in a cafe that turns into a pub every night. Newspapers, sandwiches, cakes and pastries strengthen the cafe side, the rows of alcohol on the wall tell you what to expect for the nights.

The stairs to the first floor lead to another space full of chairs and tables often used for discussions and presentations. Non-smokers should grab a chair here. Downstairs, in the typical fusty basement of a down town building art and culture have found their home. Click for photos.

Theatre, performances and concerts fill the old basement with new energy.

If you visit Sirály as frequently as I do you’ll notice the same face every time – pretty stable clientele. Use the space as your own, you might find yourself among them.

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Sirály | Art & culture, Bars, Coffee & tea, Music, Theaters | Soproni beer HUF 380
Király u. 50 | Central Pest
Mon – Fri 09:00 – 00:00, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 00:00

The Trafó (means: transformer) building used to be the electrical transformer station for south Pest, was built in 1909 but in 1998 it was put to cultural use as the first ex-industrial building occupying artistic centre.

This is the centre for all variety of contemporary dances in Hungary, but many foreigner groups are also invited. Trafó gives place for new-wave theatrical performances together with one or two concerts per month. Of course it’s a bit lottery to buy ticket for a show of an unknown group, but I remember to enjoy one of the best music competition and some unforgettable dance performances here.

Tickets’ availability before the show depends on the type of art (and performer) but I recommend you to buy the ticket one or two days before. Usually I buy a season ticket which is available in several varieties.

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Trafó | Art & culture, Music, Theaters | Tickets from HUF 1000
Liliom utca 41. | Central Pest | +3612151600
Box office: Mon – Fri 14:00 – 20:00, Sat – Sun 17:00 – 20:00

It all started in the IX. district on 23rd June 2005 in an old, unused factory building that became a buzzing cultural centre. Much more enthusiasm than money unfortunately leads to investor interests being stronger than artists’ desires. After two seasons they had to move, but what a building they found!

Once serving as a part of the ‘Szimpla-empire’ called Szimpla Kiskert (also check the Szimpla Kert article) it is a former elementary school turned into a complex system of cultural art space. First time I came here was with a friend who actually went to this school: she showed me her former classroom, told me about her memories… must have be a weird feeling.

For artists it’s a place for creating: the building has lots of rooms for designers, painters, photographers, sculptors, actors, musicians, dancers etc. to use. And for the other, receiving part of creation, the public will have the opportunity to see, hear, touch and enjoy these cultural products.

Tűzraktér is also a civic centre, and basically open to all kinds of initiative. There’s a freeshop operating for those in need or in abundance of anything. If your bike is broken, bring it to Bike Kitchen Budapest any Tuesday or Thursday 6-9 p.m.

And the list of things to see is still so long!

For more pictures click here.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Tűzraktér | Art & culture, Bars, Music, Theaters
Hegedű utca 3. | Central Pest
18:00-05:00 daily