The National Széchenyi Library’s Modern Cultural Heritage Sanctuary
The National Széchényi Library (OSZK) in Hungary has just unveiled its new 11,000-square-meter archival warehouse in Piliscsaba, near Budapest. This impressive facility, which cost nearly HUF 25 billion (EUR 63.1 million) in government funding, is dedicated to preserving Hungarian cultural treasures for the next half-century.
Equipped with 81,000 linear meters of shelving, the warehouse is designed to house both physical and digital collections, ensuring the long-term security and preservation of the OSZK’s valuable holdings. It also includes a specialized server room for digital archives and a restoration laboratory, making it a comprehensive storage solution for irreplaceable museum documents.
Designed by the TSPC Group, the architecture of the building is inspired by the shape of a book and harmonizes with the landscape of the Pilis hills. Elements of the design pay homage to the legacy of Imre Makovecz (1935-2011), a renowned Hungarian architect known for his organic architectural style. The warehouse is not only a secure treasure trove for historical artifacts but also a symbol of the library’s commitment to digitization.
In addition to the OSZK’s collections, the new repository has the capacity to store the book collections of the Public Collections Center of the Hungarian National Museum, which was established recently. This expansion of cultural infrastructure is aimed at safeguarding and modernizing Hungary’s written heritage for future generations.
Imre Makovecz is well-known for his unique architectural creations, with notable works including the Catholic church in Paks, the Evangelical Church of Siófok, and the Hungarian pavilion at the 1992 Seville World Expo. His designs, incorporating traditional materials like wood, aim to blend seamlessly with their surroundings.
The inauguration of this new archival warehouse marks a significant milestone for the preservation of Hungary’s cultural heritage and highlights the country’s commitment to safeguarding its rich history for years to come.
