VISUAL PLAN: Exceptionally beautiful McDonald’s in Budapest closes – UPDATED with photos

As the final stage of its restaurant transformation programme, McDonald’s plans to close its restaurant in Nyugati Square for about six months. The fast food eatery in this frequented part of the Hungarian capital has several times been voted one of the most beautiful McDonald’s fast food restaurants in the world. The listed building will be rebuilt using special interior design elements and natural materials.

The building, located on the main wall shared with one of the architectural symbols of Budapest, the Nyugati Railway Station, is a historicist building, built in a mixture of neo-Renaissance and neo-Romanticism. These stylistic elements are still present in the restaurant today and will be retained after the renovation. However, the restaurant chain is preparing for a very 21st century dining experience, HellóMagyar writes.

The interior design is based on the McDonald’s RAY design concept, with unique mirrored glass surfaces, copper-clad lighting fixtures and a number of special but design-integrated furniture elements. All interior design elements will be made of real, natural materials: moulded terrazzo flooring and wood and copper cladding will be used. The decorative painting of the interior pillars will be done by a restorer.

An important element of the renovation is that the current staggered layout of the lobby part of the guest area will be redesigned. The staircase currently descending to the serving counter will be eliminated and this section of the lobby will be raised to the entrance floor level. Guests will have access to the gallery and mezzanine level via a staircase on either side.