The Boy Who Lived: Harry Potter Concert at ELTE Library
Step into a world of magic and music on December 21, 2025, when Budapest’s most enchanting library transforms into Hogwarts for an unforgettable candlelit concert experience. The Secret Library presents The Boy Who Lived, featuring the legendary music from the Harry Potter film series performed on piano and string quartet in the breathtaking ELTE University Library.
Essential Information at a Glance
- Event: The Boy Who Lived – The Legendary Music of Harry Potter
- Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025
- Showtimes: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Venue: ELTE University Library and Archives, Ferenciek Square 6, 1053 Budapest
- Performance: String quartet and piano
- Atmosphere: Candlelit concert with thousands of candles
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Organizer: Candle Lake
- Tickets: Available through Cooltix
A Magical Setting Like No Other
The ELTE University Library and Archives serves as the perfect backdrop for this enchanting concert. Winner of the Hungarian Heritage Prize in 2018 and voted the most beautiful university library in Budapest, this historic building dates back to 1561 and houses nearly 2 million documents, including over 1,000 incunabula and 185 handwritten codices in Latin, Hungarian, Italian, Slavic, and Arabic.
The crown jewel of the library is the Great Reading Hall, where the concert takes place. With its gilded columns, ceiling soaring nearly 15 meters high, and dark wooden furnishings, this magnificent space truly evokes the forbidden library of Hogwarts. The towering bookshelves, candlelit walls, and historic atmosphere create an immersive experience that brings Harry Potter’s magical world to life.
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The Concert Experience
The Secret Library concert series transforms classical music into an atmospheric journey through the Harry Potter universe. Thousands of candles illuminate the hidden halls while talented musicians perform the most iconic and deeply moving melodies from the films on piano accompanied by a string quartet. From nostalgic themes to powerful emotional pieces, the concert takes you through Harry Potter’s story using music that defined a generation.
This intimate setting allows you to experience John Williams’ legendary compositions in a completely new way. The combination of live chamber music and the library’s magical ambiance creates an unforgettable evening that appeals to both Harry Potter fans and classical music enthusiasts alike.
Planning Your Visit
The ELTE University Library is conveniently located at Ferenciek Square in central Budapest, easily accessible by public transportation. With two showtimes available on December 21st at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, you can choose the performance that best fits your schedule. Each concert lasts approximately one hour, making it a perfect evening activity that still leaves time to explore Budapest’s festive holiday atmosphere.
Since this is a special one-time event in an intimate historic setting, booking tickets in advance through Cooltix is highly recommended. The unique combination of the Secret Library concert series, Harry Potter’s beloved music, and one of Budapest’s most spectacular venues makes this an experience you won’t want to miss during your visit to the Hungarian capital.
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