Budapest’s Sound Dome Opens This Season!

The Hungarian House of Music in Budapest is set to reopen its Sound Dome with an exciting audiovisual festival called DOME_RELOAD from January 14th to 19th, 2025. This event promises to showcase the newly upgraded immersive cinema experience, offering visitors a unique 360-degree viewing environment with a hemispherical screen and a sophisticated 27.4-channel sound system.

Festival Highlights

“The Mysterious City Park” Premiere

The festival’s centerpiece is the debut of “The Mysterious City Park,” a film that explores the history of Budapest’s City Park from the turn of the century to the mid-20th century. Narrated by renowned actor Pál Mácsai, this innovative production uses animated photographs from the Fortepan collection to bring the park’s past to life in a 360-degree format. The premiere, scheduled for January 15th, will be accompanied by a discussion with the creators, offering insights into the production process.

Tribute to György Ligeti

DOME_RELOAD will pay homage to the celebrated composer György Ligeti with a double screening event. One of the featured works is Ligeti’s famous “Symphonic Poem for 100 Metronomes,” which promises to be a hypnotic and thought-provoking experience when adapted to the Sound Dome’s immersive environment.

Diverse Film Selection

The festival’s program is rich and varied, including:

• Art films showcasing the works of Renoir, Bosch, and Csontváry
• A nature film about the Red-footed Falcon, created in collaboration with the Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society
• Popular hits from previous years, such as the “Lengemesék” 360-degree animated fairy tale for children
• “Cloudhitects – Point Cloud Budapest,” offering a unique perspective on Budapest’s landmarks
• Experimental films set to György Ligeti’s music
• “Csoma Kaleidoscope” by Tibor Szemző, exploring the life of the great traveler Sándor Kőrösi Csoma1

Technical Enhancements

The Sound Dome has undergone significant upgrades to enhance the viewer experience. The hemispherical screen wraps around and above the audience, allowing them to enjoy the films while reclining on bean bags. This setup creates an unparalleled spatial experience, immersing viewers in a world of sound and visuals.

Ongoing Screenings

After the DOME_RELOAD festival, the Sound Dome will continue to offer daily screenings in multiple time slots. The diverse program will include:

• Art history pieces, such as the animated works of Renoir, Bosch, and Csontváry
• Animated short films
• Family-friendly nature documentaries
• Abstract and contemporary experimental films

International Recognition

It’s worth noting that in September 2024, the Liget Budapest Project, which includes the Hungarian House of Music, received significant international recognition. The project won first place in two categories at the International Travel Awards in Dubai, with the Hungarian House of Music receiving a special award.

Visitor Information

The Sound Dome offers a truly unique experience, described as a laboratory for creating and perceiving new sounds. Visitors can explore soundscapes ranging from natural environments to composed music and electronically generated sounds. The venue’s potential is considered limitless, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in innovative audiovisual experiences.As the reopening date approaches, potential visitors should check the Hungarian House of Music’s website for the most up-to-date information on screening times and ticket availability. The DOME_RELOAD festival and the ongoing Sound Dome screenings promise to be a feast for the senses, offering a novel way to experience music, art, and cinema in the heart of Budapest.

Image source: House of Music