Renovation and Extension of the Former Ministry of Finance Building, Budapest

Architects: Sándor Makrai, Ádám Vesztergom, Gábor Kruppa
Text: András Hadik
Photos: Tamás Bujnovszky

The long years of planning and restoration of the former Ministry of Finance building, which basically defines the appearance of Trinity Square in Buda Castle, have borne fruit: this late masterpiece of Hungarian revivalism and historicism has been renewed and enriched with sophisticated contemporary architectural elements. During the five years of planning and renovation, the programme underwent several changes. Initially, the goal was to move the Ministry of Finance back into the building. In line with this, it was decided to restore the original main façade and reconstruct the representative spaces, rebuild the floor that had been demolished after the war, reopen the former gates on Országház Street and Fortuna Lane, and reconstruct the former decorations on the lateral façades. The number of offices had to be increased, so a “white cube” (more precisely, a five-story cube-shaped building covered with perforated panels) was designed for the rear courtyard. The space between the old and new buildings is covered, and there are pedestrian bridges connecting them. This white cube is the added value representing our era. Overall, an authentic type of encounter between old and new has been created on Trinity Square.

Concept and authorization plan: Sándor Makrai, Ádám Vesztergom
Monument history realization plan: Gábor Kruppa – Hamburg C.
Realization plan of reconstruction and expansion: Sándor Makrai, Ádám Vesztergom – Arch-Studio
Contemporary wing: Sándor Makrai, Ádám Vesztergom – Arch-Studio
Main contractor: West Hungária Bau; Garage Ltd.
Technical management and survey: CÉH Ltd.
Client: PM-TÉR6 Nonprofit Ltd.