Debrecen4U
December 8, 2025
The Csokonai National Theater building is an Award-winning Architectural Masterpiece
The historic building was completely renovated at a cost of HUF 20 billion, with the works completed two years ago. The quality and professionalism of the construction were recognized by the Board of Trustees of the Construction Master Award Foundation.
The 160th anniversary of the Csokonai National Theatre was celebrated with a gala performance. The theatre first opened its doors in 1865 with József Katona’s drama “Bánk Bán,” and this autumn the jubilee was also commemorated with the same opera. The prestigious building has recently been fully renewed, for which the contractor Hunép received the Excellence Award of the Construction Master Award Foundation. For the Debrecen construction company, this marks its 11th major professional recognition.
Miklós Bakos, the company’s CEO, stated that the fact the building was renovated with such quality and high‑grade materials, based on these plans, was a very important starting point for winning this award. According to the design architects, the theater is like a small city with many residents, so it had to be complemented with elements that are practical and livable for everyone. During the nearly three‑year renovation, in addition to heritage preservation, 21st‑century stage technology was also installed in the building.
“The Csokonai National Theatre has risen to the forefront of Europe. Behind the scenes, a precisely coordinated system now creates opportunities for our artists that we could previously only hope might one day come true. Here, art can truly breathe freely,” theatre director Dániel Vadász said. The Board of Trustees of the Construction Master Award Foundation honored the iconic Debrecen building in the category of Monument Restoration and Building Rehabilitation. In making their decision, they considered the quality and professionalism of the construction, the operability of the investment, and the cooperation of those who created the facility.
“This renovation reflects a work that was able to preserve, even highlight, and elevate all the values of the past, and at the same time incorporate the most demanding technical, mechanical, and architectural values of the 21st century into this wonderful building,” Mayor László Papp remarked.
The plaque announcing the Construction Industry Excellence Award was unveiled today, and the work of the subcontractors involved in the renovation was recognized with certificates. The event participants then toured the award-winning theater building.
Source and photo credit:debrecen.hu
