Gödör means ditch in Hungarian. And we, Budapesters love to lie on the grass here, take beers, or go to the cool concerts. You might ask: Why on earth do we have a ditch in the middle of the city? The story is a mix of Hungarian political debate and the architectural creativity of Budapesters.
The location of the new National Theatre would be a strategic issue in any normal city. In the Hungarian capital even more, as we are struggling to harmonize our national psychology and body, but let this be another topic on magyars... Anyway, a few years ago the decision was finally taken and they started preparing the garage of the new theatre building at Deák Ferenc tér (where our 3 beloved metro lines cross). However political debate got into flames again, construction was stopped, and the new National Theatre (Nemzeti Színház) was put in exile in the south, on the riverbank, next to the Palace of Arts (Mupa). So, can you imagine, poor Deák Ferenc tér, old elegant buildings facing the big hole?
The location of the new National Theatre would be a strategic issue in any normal city. In the Hungarian capital even more, as we are struggling to harmonize our national psychology and body, but let this be another topic on magyars... Anyway, a few years ago the decision was finally taken and they started preparing the garage of the new theatre building at Deák Ferenc tér (where our 3 beloved metro lines cross). However political debate got into flames again, construction was stopped, and the new National Theatre (Nemzeti Színház) was put in exile in the south, on the riverbank, next to the Palace of Arts (Mupa). So, can you imagine, poor Deák Ferenc tér, old elegant buildings facing the big hole?
Luckily enough, the hole became the Gödör Cultural Centre and the gorgeous park around it the hottest meeting point. During the day you can lie on the grass and relax, watch the lake (which, by the way, is the ceiling of the concert room below!!), or the youngsters skateboarding. In the evening people of all age start gathering, for a beer, with a guitar, to meet international erasmus students, or maybe someone is just passing by with the bicycle. If your friend's guitar skills need improvement, go inside Gödör and feel the vibe at folk, etno or rock concerts, jump to some cool DJ, or enjoy a wine listening some jazz. And watch out for the ever present exhibitions as well!
Why not meet at Gödör? Találkozzunk a Gödörnél!
Ps: Gödör is at Erzsébet tér (Elizabeth square), during the communist regime it was Stalin square – we can agree that it is better those times are over...
Bakonyi Zsuzsa
Bakonyi Zsuzsa
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