The Franz Liszt Academy of Music is a music conservatory and concert venue on Liszt Ferenc Square in central Budapest. Its 1907 Art Nouveau building is a draw in its own right, with detailed decoration and a grand concert hall known for its acoustics. Join a guided tour to learn about the building and its music-related symbolism, then hear a short student performance in the hall. Concerts also bring students and visiting musicians to the stage, so check the academy’s website for upcoming programs.
A music academy founded by Liszt
Franz Liszt founded the academy in 1875, serving as its president and piano teacher. It began as a place for students to study music with leading Hungarian composers and musicians. In 1925, the institution took Liszt’s name for its fiftieth anniversary. A Liszt memorial museum also opened that year at 67 Andrássy Avenue.
The academy has been both a conservatory and a performance venue. Hungarian musicians who studied or taught there include Jenő Hubay, Ernő Dohnányi, Béla Bartók, Zoltán Kodály, György Ligeti, György Kurtág, Zoltán Kocsis and András Schiff.
The Art Nouveau building
The academy moved into its present building in 1907. Architects Flóris Korb and Kálmán Giergl designed it in the Art Nouveau style, with decorative details tied to music and the arts. Outside, look for the statue of Liszt above the entrance and the figures and sculptural details on the façade. The colorful glass windows were made by Miksa Róth.
A restoration completed in 2013 returned the concert hall to the colors of its original interior, including gold, pink and black. The work also strengthened the building’s structure and added air conditioning, concealed behind the ceiling’s laurel-leaf decoration.
Tours and live music
A guided tour gives you time to look closely at the interior and understand the symbolism in its decorations. Tours cover the academy’s history and architecture, then conclude with a short performance by a student in the main hall. One account puts the tour at about an hour, including a mini-concert of roughly 10 to 15 minutes.
The academy also holds concerts in its Grand Hall and Chamber Hall. Programs include student performances and concerts by visiting artists. If music is your main reason to go, check the academy’s website for upcoming events and choose a performance that interests you. Some spring recitals have been free, though availability and program details should be checked directly.
Häufige Fragen
How long does a guided tour take?
A tour takes about an hour, including a short student performance of around 10 to 15 minutes.
Can you hear music at the academy?
Yes. The academy hosts concerts in its Grand Hall and Chamber Hall, and a student performance follows the guided tour.
Does the academy have free concerts?
Some spring recitals have been free. Check the academy’s website for current programs and event details.
