Hubay Music Hall

Jenő Hubay (1858–1937), the violinist, composer, and educator, was for half a century one of Hungary’s best-known musicians. His name is associated with the creation of the world-famous Hungarian violin school. With the income from his concerts, he built his house on the banks of the Danube in 1897–98; its windows facing the river and Fő Street. They also built a music hall on the first floor of the central wing. In this impressive venue, musical, literary, and other artistic gatherings were held regularly, and for more than four decades, they were at the centre of the country’s cultural life.

During the war, Jewish refugees were hidden in the house’s cellar, and the Red Cross used some rooms as storage. In early 1945, the Danube-facing side of the building was hit by a bomb: the façade collapsed, and the main entrance as well as the rooms facing the street were destroyed. After the war, the palace was nationalised, council apartments were created inside, and the music hall was used as an office for many years. The building declined, and the original spirit of culture and art was almost forgotten. The hall was renovated in 2008, restoring its original splendour. It regularly hosts concerts and cultural events since then.