I’m sorry to break it to you; the luminous lights over City Park aren’t a call for a superhero. They’re actually a little glimpse into Budapest’s newest art installation called Lightdome. But what’s so special about it and the Budapest Biodome?
What’s the Biodome about?
Biodome is an extension of the Zoo in City Park, and this is the first time that the building is open to the public. It’s actually still under construction, giving the exhibition an extra layer of character.
Architecturally speaking, the rawness of the building amplified the art and reflections, seamlessly blending something hard and tangible with some light and intangible.
Biodome, lightdome? Which one is it?
The Lightdome is an ongoing art exhibition taking place in the Biodome, a structure that is designed to be an extension of the Budapest Zoo.
The idea of the Biodome was to have a regulated, living structure that would provide a suitable environment for animals to live all year round. Additionally, the building was designed to have Hungarian flora and fauna dating back to millions of years ago.
The Biodome is also planned to have a sea aquarium, primeval forest, and visitor center.
But until this building comes to fruition, we only have a few more days to enjoy the exhibition of lights that is taking place this March.
Is the Budapest biodome worth it?
I’d say the Lightdome is absolutely worth visiting if you’re interested in architecture, nature, and art. The exhibition showcases different artworks projected over the unfinished building’s large floors, bare walls, and its captivating ceiling.
The experience lasts a little over an hour and a half and takes you along the works of local and international artists like LaLuz Visuals and Karl Kola, whose work has been showcased at festivals.
If you’re familiar with the INOTA festival, it may also pique your interest to know that the team behind it also curated the Lightdome.
Budapest Biodome – Lightdome ticket prices
Another factor that may nudge you to get your biodome tickets is that you can pay for this experience with your szep card.
The price list is as follows:
Adult Ticket: HUF 6900
Student and Senior Citizen: HUF 5500
Child Ticket: HUF 3500 (2-14 years old)
Baby Ticket: HUF 300 (up to 2 years old)
Where is the biodome?
The Biodome is located in City Park, right past Szechenyi Baths at this address: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 16, 1146
When is the biodome open?
The Lightdome is open from 5 pm to 10 pm every day, and the Biodome will be open until the 17th of March.
Tips for visiting the Biodome
- Take a few coins with you if you’d like to use the lockers. It costs 100 HUF for each.
- Don’t miss the bar upstairs. They have soft drinks, beer and nachos.
- If you can, go as soon as the biodome opens and see the structure before it’s dark outside. This way, you can enjoy a nice sunset.
If you’d like to do more things in Budapest, here are a few other Budapest recommendations:
- 50 things to do in Budapest
- District 1: Explore the Budapest’s Castle District
- District 2: Go on outdoor adventures with hiking trails and lookout towers
- District 3: Discover Budapest’s history from the Roman times
