The Budapest Library: A Hollywood Favorite
The Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library, housed in the former Wenckheim Palace in Budapest, is not only a haven for readers but also a popular filming location for production companies. The library, with its aristocratic cultural style, offers a glimpse into the past with its beautifully preserved rooms.
The grand ballroom, dining room, and drawing rooms have been converted into reading rooms and collections, but the essence of the mansion still lingers in the atmosphere. Filmmakers have taken advantage of this unique setting for various productions, transforming the spaces into movie sets that transport viewers to different eras.
Notable films such as “Semmelweis,” “The Alienist,” and “Red Sparrow” have used the Mirror Room and other areas of the library for key scenes. Stars like Jennifer Lawrence have even developed a fondness for the building, exploring the rooms and requesting souvenirs like library cards.
The films shot in the library not only promote the impressive architecture abroad but also attract tourists who come to see the iconic spaces featured on the big screen. Visitors often show scenes from the movies on their phones to library staff, seeking out the breathtaking rooms they witnessed in the films.
With its rich history and cinematic allure, the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library continues to captivate readers, filmmakers, and tourists alike with its blend of past grandeur and present-day charm.
