On 22 March 2021, the Sándor Márai Cultural Centre – the new cultural-community centre of the 1st District – moved into 1 Krisztina Square, the former Buda Civic Casino building.

The imposing ceremonial hall on the first floor (Photo: laki.hu)

The cultural centre under renovation in 2020 (Photo: Balázs Both/pestbuda.hu)

According to the announcement published by the Local Council of the 1 District, the staff of the centre are already working on a programme to meet the requests of locals based on a survey carried out in the district. Plans are for the successor to the Budavár Cultural Centre to create new events that may attract youths while preserving the calendar's successful elements well-known from the previous headquarters on Bem Embankment.

As readers of PestBuda may know, the former Buda Civic Casino was built in 1893 and designed by Imre Francsek. After the Second World War, it housed Party Offices and other administrative functions.

The Buda Civic Casino in 1893 (Photo: Építő Ipar, 28 December 1893)

Deprived of its tower and ornaments, the house was neglected for decades. Major architectural elements (such as the ornamental roof on its corner) have been reconstructed during the current renovation, as have decorations with proven authenticity. Nevertheless, the facade was recreated in a simpler form. The imposing ballroom on the first floor and the main staircase have also been renovated. The internal courtyard has been roofed over to create more space for the cultural centre.

The inner courtyard (Source: jassomuhely.hu)

Jassó Épitészműhely drew up the plans; the construction was carried out by Laki Zrt. and began in June 2019. According to original plans, the building has been returned to its original splendour but now utilizes 21st-century technology to improve visitors' comfort. The centre will host community events, classical and pop music concerts, plays and exhibitions.

Cover photo: The Sándor Márai Cultural Centre opens on Krisztina Square (Photo: Balázs Both/pestbuda.hu)