József Hild is one of the greatest figures of Hungarian Classicist architecture, who played a decisive role in shaping the image of Pest during the reform era. The Hungarian Academy of Arts Research Institute of Art Theory and Methodology (MMA MMKI) wants to introduce the general public to his architectural heritage, which is launching a series of walks consisting of three occasions to present the works of the architect born in 1789 and died in 1867.

The three walks take in the masterpieces of József Hild's architectural creations, walking along the streets that were once named in German. The participants can get to know the families who built the houses and discover the Classicist style buildings constructed around 1840. The centre of Pest, through its buildings, is an exact contemporary impression of the period when the growing citizenry became self-aware, says the announcement of MMA MMKI sent to MTI.

Portrait of József Hild (Source: Vasárnapi Ujság, 21 April 1861)

By getting to know József Hild's civil and public buildings, the participants will also get an idea of the events and atmosphere of the era in which the architect created, which was a politically, economically and artistically booming period for the country, writes MTI with reference to the announcement.

During the walk, the participants can get answers to what a doorknob, a staircase, or a window frame reveals, how the people who had them made lived, why we still see these houses as impressive and elegant, as well as what kind of person József Hild was, who was able to create all this.

The house on the corner of Hercegprímás Street and Szent István Square (Photo: Balázs Both/pestbuda.hu)

On Sunday, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., on the occasion of the first walk, Eszter Kiss, the actor of the Katona József Theatre, the professional responsible for the program, welcomes those interested to travel through time with literary works and art historical information. On the second walk on 27 November, the Hild values will be reviewed on Svábhegy. The program will show the master's villa architecture with beautiful examples, and a selection from the writings of Mór Jókai, who also lived here, evokes the former atmosphere of Svábhegy.

The Hild Villa today (Photo: Balázs Both/pestbuda.hu)

A vivid example of József Hild's architecture is the Hild Villa on Budakeszi Road, which he designed and built for his family in 1844. On 4 December, during the third walk, participants can walk through the building that has housed the Hungarian Academy of Arts Research Institute of Art Theory and Methodology since 2013.

Participation in the walks is free, but registration is required. Those interested can register for the opening event of the walking series on Sunday on the MMA MMKI website.

Source: MTI

Cover photo: The Hild Villa on Budakeszi Road (Source: mma.hu)