Hungary’s Parliament to Undergo Ten-year Renovation for Modernisation
The iconic Hungarian Parliament building is undergoing a comprehensive renovation, with the ambitious project expected to take up to ten years to complete. Tamás Wachsler, head of the Steindl Imre Programme, shared details of the renovation plan in an interview with InfoRádió, emphasizing the extensive preparatory phase and long-term goals of modernization.
The initial phase of the renovation will span two years and will involve detailed surveys, structural assessments, and the creation of an inventory of architectural elements. Specialists will also produce models of decorative features to determine their suitability for restoration. Following this phase, a design tender will be announced to provide clarity on technical specifications and potential costs. The government will make final decisions on these matters before the planning stage, estimated to take an additional two years.
One of the key objectives of the renovation is to modernize the Parliament’s outdated infrastructure. The heating system, in operation for over 120 years, will be replaced, along with the entire water and pipe network. Cooling systems will also be integrated to improve energy efficiency. Safety concerns, such as security checks, will be addressed by conducting them outside the building.
A notable aspect of the project is the relocation of Mihály Munkácsy’s painting, “The Conquest,” from the Museum of Fine Arts to a specially designed gallery in the Ministry of Agriculture’s building. This move will ensure optimal preservation conditions for the artwork.
The reconstruction of the Parliament will involve multiple government decisions, including budgeting and contractor selection. Lawmakers will temporarily relocate to the Ministry of Agriculture during the estimated four-year construction phase. The project aims to modernize and make the Parliament more accessible while preserving its historic significance for future generations.
