The so-called connecting wing between the Krisztinaváros Wing of the Royal Palace and Building E was damaged in the Second World War. However, instead of restoring the building, it was modified by the one-party state in a subpar way – reads the the Facebook page of the National Hauszmann Program.

The Southern Connecting Wing in its original condition, 1905 (Photo: Magyar Pályázatok, 1905/8, August)

As reported, the part of the palace complex (which until recently served as the entrance to the Budapest History Museum) is now being reborn based on the original turn-of-the-century designs by Alajos Hauszmann. The entire façade will be rebuilt on the southern side, while the north façade towards Oroszlános Court ('Lion’s Court') will be renovated, also regaining its former beauty.

Facade of the part of the building facing Oroszlános Court under renovation (Photo: National Hauszmann Program)

Ornaments are being recreated to mirror the original designs (Photo: National Hauszmann Program)

The post highlights that the ornaments of the Southern Connecting Wing of the Royal Palace of Buda Castle are being carved of limestone from Süttő, similarly to the already rebuilt Riding Hall, Palace Guardhouse and Stöckl stairs. The post also reports that all plaster prints based on archive photos are being approved by a professional committee of art historians, restorers, architects and sculptors. The sculptures like the originals down to the smallest detail would be made completed by hand and the use of sculpting tools.

The restored attic (Photo: National Hauszmann Program)

For the time being, the decorations of the facade are hidden behind a safety net (Photo: National Hauszmann Program)

The restored attic and the lion-skin relief adorning it already adorn the highest point of the northern façade. While these ornaments are hidden behind a construction safety net, for the time being, they can be admired on these photographs.

Unique floorboards of St. Stephen's Hall is being carved by hand

The wing of the building once housed one of the most beautiful rooms in the palace, St. Stephen's Hall, which is being rebuilt during the current reconstruction. The decorations of the room, made of special materials and by excellent craftsmen, are also being re-created within the framework of the National Hauszmann Program. 

The original beauty of St. Stephen's Hall (Photo: FSZEK Budapest Collection)

The National Hauszman Program recently published a video on how the elements of the unique floor are being carved by hand (the video can be viewed by clicking on the image below). The boards of the parquet are being hand-carved from three types of wood, to complete the flooring which will be identical to the original, and the first element of the room to be put in place. 

The re-created ceremonial hall of the Royal Palace of Buda Castle will be opened to the public on 20 August 2021. 

Watch the video about the decorations of St. Stephen's Hall by clicking on the image below: