One of the most important goals of the National Hauszmann Program is to make the Buda Palace shine again in the light of the turn of the century - said Várkapitányság Zrt. This has been long overdue. Thus, professionals know exactly the post-war alterations, the condition and location of utilities. After completing the survey, planning for the reconstruction and future use of the building could begin, the announcement said.

Building A of the Buda Palace  after the turn-of-the-century expansion, today and after the rebirth (Source: Várkapitányság, archived photo, courtesy of Fortepan/László Lajtai, archival index: 84737

It is emphasized that at the turn of the century, a total of 250 meters of space was created in the building on the Danube side with the spaces opening from each other, which also continued in the direction of the Krisztinaváros wing, a total length of about 350 meters. It was the second largest in Europe after the castle of Versailles. The worthy reconstruction of the palace is a huge task, as the complex of buildings damaged in World War II was significantly remodeled in the communist regime. In many places, the layout of the halls and floors was changed, and the valuable and demanding interior decoration was destroyed or obscured. The openness provided by the interconnected row of spaces on the main floor, which visually connected the palace to the Danube, was removed.

The reconstruction of the southern connecting wing, which also includes St. Stephen's Hall, was seen as a test case for the complete restoration of the palace, the announcement said. From 20 August this year, the façade and the interior structure, including the legendary historical room, can be seen in their original form. As they write, they have gained valuable experience in the course of the work that they can use in the rest of the building complex.

Visual plan of the reborn building A of Budavár Palace (Source: Várkapitányság)

The planning for the restoration of the building complex is led by Robert Gutowski. He has already worked on several outstanding projects with the office of the Pro Architectura Award-winning architect: such as the St. II of Páty, Pope John Paul's Church, the new concert hall of the Archabbey of Pannonhalma or the lookout on Lake Naplás. In addition, their plans were finalized in the design tenders for the expansion of the Opera House in Shenzhen, the National Concert Hall in Vilnius and the National Museum in Helsinki.

Visual plan of the reborn building B of the Buda Castle (Source: Várkapitányság)

The office boasts both domestic and international awards: in New York, the ceremonial hall in Pannonhalma won the “Architizer A + Awards Special Mention” award, while the St.  Pope John Paul’s Church received “Dezeen Awards 2020, Highly Commended” recognition
 In London. They also won the Construction Industry Award, the Media Architecture Award and the Ferenc Schmidl Architecture Award.

The restoration of the Buda Castle started in January 2020 with the reconstruction of the southern connecting wing.

Source: Várkapitányság

Cover photo: The building of the Buda Palace A after the turn-of-the-century expansion, today and after the rebirth (Source: Várkapitányság)