Budapest is proud of possessing one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. The opening performance was held in the neo-Renaissance building, the jewel of the avenue, in 1884 after nine years of construction. The staircase and the auditorium of the palace, designed by one of the best architects of those days Miklós Ybl, are decorated with frescos of eminent Hungarian painters. The first director was Ferenc Erkel, Gustav Mahler held this post for several years. Puccini directed the premiere of two of his operas here.