Red Ballroom Theatre, Hungary

The Red Ballroom Theatre is a former hotel and entertainment venue in Hungary. An inn or hostel was first recorded as occupying this site in the 14th Century. Over the centuries, it has been rebuilt or renovated in several phases. We visited the Red Ballroom Theatre during the Seeing Red Tour 2019.

History of this building and adjacent hotel/hostel

The present building dates back to late 1800s renovation, notable the neo-baroque elements. During these early years the venue played host to a grand gala dinner. This event was in honour of a famous actress, who was born in this town. Only a decade later, the hostel was demolished again to pave the way for a more modern-styles hotel. A new facade was built on the main street, which is a prominent feature of the town today. The new hotel featured a large inner courtyard filled with plants. This feature was inherited from the earlier hostel. At this time there was a restaurant and coffee shop.

The new hotel quickly rose to fame, country-wide. Several famous Hungarians frequented the establishment, including an Olympic weight lifter and several prominent chefs. These high-profile visitors, along with publicity in the national news, raised the profile of the hotel and its restaurant.

1930s additions – The Red Hall and the White Hall

The owners renovated once again in the 1930s. This important building-phase added some of the more spectacular spaces. At this time the Great Hall, or White Hall, was added. Initially, the White Hall housed a sophisticated restaurant. The Red Hall (Red Ballroom Theatre) was also added in the 1930s. The Red Hall was multipurpose in function; primarily serving as a ballroom and theatre, but also was used as a cinema.

In the 1950s, change was afoot. The once elegant restaurant in the White Hall became a simple no-frills cafe. The Red Hall was now also used as a nightclub, in addition to continued movie screenings and light theatrical performances. In later years, parts of the building were used for diversified functions (including a strip club, as well as a computer repairshop).

Decline and closure

The hotel closed in the late 1980s, and was occupied by several tenants in the following years. A multi-national company purchased the site in the late 1990s. This company had commited to rennovate the site. After a decade of inaction, the local township threatened to file lawsuits. This prompted promises of the much-needed renovation from the investors. Some work was started, but by the mid-2010s the investor filed for bankruptcy. Liquidators seized the assests of the now-defunt company, including this building. The liquidators placed the building up for sale to recoup costs. The local township re-purchased the building, with plans to return the building to use.