In the heart of Budapest, the historic Budapest Opera is one of the most iconic landmarks of Hungarian culture and architecture. Designed by architect Miklós Ybl in the Neo-Renaissance style, the theater welcomed opera and ballet enthusiasts for more than 130 years before undergoing a major renovation that lasted nearly five years. The project restored the interiors to their original splendor while upgrading them to the highest standards of safety, acoustics, and comfort.

Poltrona Frau Custom Interiors created the 1,200 seats for the new auditorium, upholstered in red velvet in keeping with the original configuration. The armchairs were redesigned in terms of proportions and layout, with wider seats and increased spacing between rows to enhance audience comfort and improve the usability of the auditorium. Each armchair also features an integrated digital program booklet.

The Custom Interiors Business Unit also contributed to the study of the acoustics and seating layout, optimizing sound distribution and ensuring excellent visibility from every point in the theater.

The project demonstrates Poltrona Frau Custom Interiors’ ability to develop bespoke solutions for settings of significant historical and cultural value, combining technical research, comfort, and artisanal quality while fully respecting the original architecture.