Debrecen4U
August 5, 2025
Guided Tours: Discover the Hidden World of the Csokonai National Theatre in Debrecen
Join a guided tour in Hungarian of the Csokonai National Theatre, the oldest and largest in Debrecen, Hungary.
Led by professional actors, these experiences offer a unique opportunity to explore hidden spaces and secrets that are typically closed to the public.
Constructed between 1861 and 1865, the theatre was designed by the renowned Hungarian architect Antal Szkalnitzky in a romantic style, featuring Moorish and Byzantine ornamentation. It officially opened its doors on October 7, 1865, with a performance of Bánk bán, a cornerstone of Hungarian dramatic literature. The building was later named after Mihály Csokonai Vitéz, one of Hungary’s most celebrated poets, and was designated a national theatre in 2012.
Following the completion of extensive renovations in 2023, the theatre launched its behind-the-scenes tours, offering guests a rare glimpse into both its storied past and the meticulous restoration process that revived its grandeur. The tour guide takes visitors through fascinating locations, including the dressing rooms, the main stage, set storage, the actors’ lounge, the orchestra pit, and even the towering multi-level structure of the revolving stage.
The interior features crimson and gold columns, elaborate frescoes, and three-tiered balconies. These details evoke 19th-century European theatre. On the outside of the building, sculptures of other leading playwrights Sándor Petőfi, Ferenc Kazinczy, Mihály Vörösmarty, Károly Kisfaludy, Ferenc Kölcsey, and Mihály Csokonai Vitéz are displayed. In addition, there are sculptures of two muses, Melpomene and Terpsikhore, from Greek mythology.
Whether you’re a theatre enthusiast, history buff, or simply curious, these behind-the-scenes tours offer a unique and unforgettable perspective on one of Hungary’s cultural treasures:
Sunday, August 24 at 5:00 PM
Sunday, August 31 at 5:00 PM
Sunday, September 7 at 5:00 PM
Sunday, September 14 at 5:00 PM
Sunday, September 21 at 5:00 PM
Meeting Point: At the artists’ entrance of the Csokonai Theatre
Tickets: Website of the Csokonai Theatre
