Budapest among the Top 10 European cities for art nouveau

Budapest made it into another Top 10 list! The Guardian posted an article a few days ago about the 10 best European cities for art nouveau and Budapest is included in the list along other famous cities, like Prague, Brussels and Helsinki.

Art nouveau is an international philosophy and style of art, architecture that was most popular during 1890–1910. It was inspired by natural forms and structures, not only flowers and plants, but also the curved lines of nature. Architects tried to harmonize with the natural environment. The article writes that East European centres such as Prague, Riga and Budapest merged art nouveau with their own local tradition thus creating beautiful art works.

The Museum of Applied Arts

The most famous Hungarian representative of this unique architectural style was Ödön Lechner, who is often referred to as the ‘Hungarian Gaudi’. His version of the style is quite typical of Hungary. His work was inspired by traditional Hungarian patterns, Transylvanian architecture and also by Indian and Syrian motives. His most famous buildings are the Museum of Applied Arts, the Postal Savings Bank and the Geological Museum.

The Geological Museum

If you’re in love with that style or simply want to know more about it, make sure to visit the House of Hungarian Art Nouveau (Magyar Szecesszió Háza). The museum is built to have the atmosphere of the Hungarian peacetime at the turn of the century. Temporary exhibitions normally fill the lower level and you can also have a nice coffee or croissant in the coffee shop.

The Postal Savings Bank

Theguardian.com also recommends staying at Hotel Gresham Palace overlooking the Danube, which is one of the largest art nouveau buildings in the world with its 179 bedrooms. However, you should be prepared that the prices are quite high in Gresham, rooms start from 330 euros/night. Nevertheless, if you just happen to be passing by, make sure to take a good look at this imposingly mesmerising building.

Photos: www.facebook.com/MagyarFöldtaniésGeofizikaiKözpont, www.facebook.com/FourSeasonsHotelBudapest, www.facebook.com/IparművészetiMúzeum, www.egykor.hu 

Copy editor: bm

Source: http://www.theguardian.com/