PM Orbán announces major restoration of Gödöllő Royal Palace

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán made a significant cultural and financial announcement this morning in Gödöllő, unveiling a joint commitment between the Hungarian government and OTP Bank to restore and partially reconstruct the historic Gödöllő Royal Palace. The project, estimated at a total of 40 billion forints (EUR 102 million), will be funded equally—20 billion from the state and 20 billion from OTP Bank—marking one of the most substantial heritage investments in recent years.

Gödöllő Royal Palace: an iconic place in Hungary

The Gödöllő Royal Palace, also known as the Grassalkovich Palace, holds a distinguished place in Hungary’s national identity. Once a favourite residence of Queen Elisabeth—known in Hungary as Sisi—it ranks among Europe’s largest baroque palaces. Though partially restored since the 1990s, large sections remain inaccessible or structurally compromised. Orbán’s announcement signals an intention not just to renovate, but to revive the palace as a flagship of Hungarian culture and tourism.

• Royal Palace of Gödöllő, Hungary’s answer to Versailles – Video

In his brief address, Orbán framed the project as both patriotic and strategic. “A nation that honours its past builds confidence in its future,” he stated, emphasizing that such restorations are “not expenses, but investments in national spirit.” By involving OTP Bank, Hungary’s largest financial institution, the initiative also underscores a deepening pattern of state–corporate cooperation in nationally symbolic projects.

OTP CEO Csányi: a duty to heritage

Csányi Sándor, Chairman and CEO of OTP Bank, was present and echoed the sentiment. He called the project “a duty to heritage,” reinforcing the bank’s role beyond finance, positioning itself as a patron of Hungarian cultural continuity. While exact timelines and architectural plans have not yet been disclosed, early indications suggest a comprehensive vision, including new museum spaces, public halls, and potential use for formal state functions. The announcement arrives at a politically opportune time.

Orbán, who frequently invokes Hungary’s historical grandeur, is likely to use this initiative to strengthen domestic support and highlight his government’s role in safeguarding national identity. Critics, however, may question whether such vast cultural spending is appropriate during continued economic pressures, high inflation, and tepid wage growth. Today’s announcement did not address long-term operational costs or projected public access fees.

• VIDEO, PHOTOS: Gödöllő light park is astonishing

The Hungarian Versailles

Supporters argue that the restoration could significantly boost tourism, especially given the palace’s appeal to international visitors drawn to Habsburg-era history and the enduring fascination with Empress Elisabeth. The palace is already a well-known venue, but full restoration could reposition it as a cultural anchor comparable to Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace or Versailles in France.

Beyond culture and tourism, the initiative seems to carry a symbolic message: a reaffirmation of Hungary’s sovereign narrative. In recent years, Orbán has consistently aligned infrastructural and cultural projects with broader themes of national revival. Today’s announcement fits squarely within that tradition— istory as political language, embodied in stone and baroque plaster.

• Enchanting! The Royal Palace where Sisi loved to return: Gödöllő – photos, video

Scaffolding to start soon

While further details, architectural plans, and timelines are expected in the coming weeks, the key message this morning was clear: the Gödöllő Palace will not remain a semi-restored relic. It is to be reborn—funded jointly by state and nation’s leading bank, presented as a gesture of unity between government, finance, and heritage.

• Museum of Agriculture to move from Budapest to Gödöllő

For now, the palace stands silent, awaiting the return of scaffolding and the revival of long-faded halls. If Orbán’s vision is realized, Gödöllő may once again become a national stage—where history is not only remembered, but reconstructed.

Click for more construction news.

PM Orbán: Money spent on preserving value sensible investment

“If we do it right, these forints will not be a luxury or an expense, nor will they be money thrown away, but rather – beyond preserving national values – they will be sensible and appropriate investments from a business perspective,” Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said on Monday at the ceremonial signing of a cooperation agreement on the comprehensive renovation of the Royal Chateau in Gödöllő, near Budapest.

Orbán said that there were other more pressing daily expenses, but one should not be afraid to spend 40 billion forints on such a purpose. He added that the renovation would not have to start from scratch, as some wings of the palace had already been renovated during the Hungarian EU Presidency in 2011.

“At that time, the only goal was to present ourselves in a dignified manner in Europe. Today, our ambitions are much greater, and we want to take our rightful place,” he said. He said that not only had Hungary’s position changed significantly since 2011 in the ranking of European nations, but Europe itself had also changed a lot.

“Today, there is war instead of peace, economic stagnation instead of growth, and the situation in European politics is much worse than it was in 2011,” he said. He added that it was in the interest of Hungarians to preserve peace and not to send Hungarian money to Ukraine, but to spend it on Hungarians.