Grand renovation of Hungary’s Parliament in the works: A decade-long vision for modernisation
The Hungarian Parliament, one of the country’s most iconic buildings, is set to undergo a comprehensive renovation. Tamás Wachsler, head of the Steindl Imre Programme, outlined the project’s details in an interview with InfoRádió, highlighting the extensive preparatory phase and long-term goals of modernisation. The entire process could take up to ten years to complete.
Preparatory work begins
The initial two-year phase will involve detailed surveys and structural assessments to evaluate the current state of the Parliament building, Wachsler told InfoRádió. This includes creating an inventory of architectural elements and scientific documentation of the building’s construction history. Specialists will also produce models of decorative features to determine their suitability for restoration. At the end of this phase, a design tender will be announced, providing clarity on technical specifications and potential costs. Final decisions on these matters will rest with the government before the actual planning stage begins, estimated to take another two years.
Modernisation and energy efficiency
A key objective of the renovation is to modernise the Parliament’s outdated infrastructure. The heating system, operational for over 120 years, will be replaced alongside the entire water and pipe network. Cooling systems, currently limited to localised solutions, will also be integrated. “Comprehensive mechanical modernisation is essential,” emphasised Wachsler, citing energy efficiency as a priority. The renovations aim to restore the original spatial structure of the Parliament while addressing safety concerns, such as conducting all security checks outside the building.
New home for Munkácsy’s masterpiece
One notable aspect of the project is the relocation of Mihály Munkácsy’s monumental painting, The Conquest (A honfoglalás). Currently displayed at the Museum of Fine Arts, the artwork will not return to its original Parliament setting due to limited public access. Instead, it will be showcased in a specially designed gallery in the Ministry of Agriculture’s building, ensuring optimal lighting and climate conditions for preservation.
A decade-long commitment
The Parliament’s reconstruction will require multiple government decisions at key milestones, including budgeting and contractor selection. Once these are finalised, lawmakers will temporarily relocate to the Ministry of Agriculture during the estimated four-year construction phase. While the full scope and timeline of the project remain subject to further planning and approvals, the initiative promises a modernised and more accessible Parliament, preserving its historic significance for future generations.
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Featured image: depositphotos.com