Budapest is one of the great Art Nouveau cities of Europe. The unique florid form of art, decoration and architecture took hold across Europe between 1890 and 1910. And Art Nouveau Budapest was where genius Hungarian architect and designer Ödön Lechner made some of the standout buildings from the entire period.
Every region of Europe had its own distinct spin on Art Nouveau. Barcelona had the modernista works of Gaudi and Domenech i Montaner, Germany’s Art Nouveau was christened ‘Jugendstil’, while Hungary’s take on the new form of expression was called Szecesszió.
The Art Nouveau movement across Europe coincided with the Hungarian Millennium of 1896. This was the celebration of the Magyars’ arrival in the region 1,000 years before, and a time of greater consciousness of the nation’s history, arts and architecture. Some, including Lechner, wanted to develop a Hungarian national style of architecture, incorporating some folk art elements.
Hungarian Art Nouveau bore some similarities to its contemporaries around Europe, especially the mosaics used to decorate facades and the curved windows and doorways common across much of the continent at the time. Its outstanding unique feature is its use of eosin and pyrogranite tiles manufactured by the Zsolnay company in Pécs, resulting in some glorious tiled roofs around the city and beyond.
Applied Arts Museum
Budapest’s answer to London’s V&A, the Museum of Applied Arts (Iparművészeti Múzeum) is one of the oldest of its kind in the world. It’s also one of the most spectacular Budapest landmarks, with a stunning green and gold Zsolnay tiled roof.
It’s one of the finest works of Ödön Lechner, who has come to be seen as the leading Art Nouveau Budapest – and indeed Hungarian – architect. The interior, with its Islamic and Indian influences, is well worth seeing, as is the collection of furniture, metalwork and glassware.
At the time of writing, the Museum is closed due to a (much-needed) long-term restoration project. Check the Museum homepage for information on reopening.
Getting there: Metro M3 line to Corvin-negyed
Former Post Office Savings Bank
This stunning building by Ödön Lechner is hemmed in on Hold utca, a narrow Pest backstreet a few blocks from the Danube. But it’s so magnificent I’ve always thought it deserved a prime riverside spot near the Parliament building a short distance away.
Because of its confined setting, it’s impossible to get a full view of the building, and difficult to see much of its gorgeous green and gold Zsolnay tiled roof. Like many Art Nouveau works, it’s inspired by natural elements, with beehive-like sculptures adorning the upper walls of the building.
It was completed in 1901, the prestigious headquarters of the Hungarian Post Office Savings Bank. Nowadays it’s home to the Hungarian State Treasury.
Getting there: Metro M3 to Arany János utcathen a 2-minute walk
Hungarian Geological Institute
This amazing building, which also houses the Hungarian Geological Museum, is one of the greatest Budapest Art Nouveau buildings.
It’s a bit off the beaten track, around a mile from the City Park (Varosliget) and a short walk from the Ferenc Puskas Stadium, but very much worth the trip out of the way.
The highlight is the blue and turquoise tiled roof, which represents the prehistoric Tethys Ocean between the supercontinents of Laurasia and Gondwana. Note also the three figures holding up a globe on the rooftop.
The building is one of Lechner’s finest, completed in 1899.
Getting there: Metro M2 to Puskás Ferenc Stadion, followed by an 8-minute walk (exit Ifjuság utca then turn left onto Stefánia út). Or bus 75 to Egressy út / Stefánia út.
Hotel Gellért
This splendid grand hotel overlooking the Danube opened in 1919, having been delayed by World War I. It was completed to its Art Nouveau plans, making it possibly the Art Nouveau Budapest building to be finished.
It’s one of the most famous sights in Budapest, its distinctive corner cupolas a recognisable landmark close to the river.
The Hotel is best known for its Thermal Spa, with its gorgeous stained-glass roof.
The Hotel is closed at the time of writing as it’s in the process of long-term restoration. It’s due to reopen in 2027 as the Mandarin Oriental Gellert. The Thermal Spa – which is run by a separate company – will remain open during this period.
Getting there: Metro M4 to Szent Gellért tér – Műegyetem or trams 18, 19, 41, 47, 48 or 49
Liberty Bridge (Szabadság híd)
The Liberty Bridge (also sometimes called the Freedom Bridge) is the second most beautiful bridge in Budapest after the iconic Chain Bridge below the Castle.
It links Budapest Central Market (on the Pest side) with the Gellért Hill and aforementioned Hotel of the same name on the Buda side of the Danube.
It was built between 1894 and 1896 by János Feketeházy and was opened by – and named after – Emperor Franz Josef I. It was one of several Budapest landmarks built around the time of the Magyar Millennium of 1896, the 1000th anniversary of the coronation of the first King of Hungary, Istvan I.
The Bridge is similar to a chain bridge in appearance, but is a cantilever truss bridge with a suspended central section. It was built around the same time as the similar ‘Blue Wonder’ bridge in Loschwitz, Dresden. As you cross the Bridge, look up at the four sculptures of the mythical eagle Turul, which is also depicted on Castle Hill in Buda.
Getting there: Metro M4 to Fővám tér (Pest side) or Szent Gellért tér – Műegyetem or trams 18, 19, 41, 47, 48 or 49 (Buda side)
Four Seasons Gresham Palace Hotel
In 1904, the British insurance company Gresham decided to build their overseas headquarters on a plot of land they had acquired overlooking the Danube. They commissioned architects Jozsef Vago and Zsigmond Quittner to design their office building, which they did in the Art Nouveau style, completing it in 1906.
After World War Two, under the Soviet-imposed Communist regime, it was used as an apartment block. When I first saw it in 1991 it was decaying badly, showing decades of neglect. However, it was restored a few years later and opened as a five-star hotel in 2004.
The palace was rebuilt with all its Art Nouveau features, the most visible of which from the outside are the windows. If you’re not staying, step inside to take a look around and admire the stained glass, wrought ironwork and mosaics.
Getting there: Metro M1, M2 or M3 to Deak Ferenc tér, or trams 2, 2B or 23 to Széchenyi István tér
Széchenyi Thermal Baths (Széchenyi Gyógyfürdő)
The Széchenyi Thermal Baths, close to the monumental Heroes Square, is one of the last Budapest Art Nouveau buildings.
Much of the original building (pictured) is in Baroque Revival style, but there are some late Art Nouveau elements, including the dome windows, and, inside, the mosaics and stained glass by Miksa Roth.
You can visit this part of the building for free, but if you plan to see the superb outdoor pools (which I highly recommend) you’ll need to buy a ticket and abide by the swimwear-only dress code.
Getting there: Metro M1 to Széchenyi Fürdő
Mátyás Templom (Matthias Church, or Church of Our Lady of Buda Castle)
Much of the famous Matyas Templom, next to the landmark Fishermen’s Bastion, is Gothic, originally built between the 13th and 15th centuries. The church was remodelled in the 19th century, restorer Frigyes Schulek tried to reproduce the earliest elements of the church. And he also gave some of the church a remarkable Art Nouveau makeover.
The one visible element outside the church is the extraordinary patterned Zsolnay tiled roof. The Church is part of the Budapest UNESCO World Heritage Site, and some years ago I saw tiles removed during a restoration being sold in the souvenir shop – you could take one of these tiles home with you (provided you would also be happy to fork out for the extra luggage!)
The interior of the church was also transformed, with murals, pillars and ceiling vaults brightly, intricately painted in the late 19th century.
Entry: 2900 Ft per adult
Getting there: Buses 16, 16A and 16B to Szentháromság tér
See Also: Churches in Budapest – The 8 Best To Visit
Budapest Zoo
Budapest Zoo was originally opened in 1866, and is one of the oldest surviving zoos in the world. It went bankrupt in 1896, and was completely rebuilt between 1909 and 1912, with a huge Art Nouveau makeover.
The Art Nouveau buildings – including the main entrance and Elephant House – were rebuilt following severe damage in the Siege of Budapest towards the end of World War Two.
Around the time of its construction, elephant houses were often built in the style of Indian temples (as far apart as the Bronx Zoo in New York and Taronga Zoo in Sydney).
The Zoo is very close to Budapest city centre, a few minutes’ walk from Hősök tere (Heroes Square) and the Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
Getting there: Metro M1 to Széchenyi Fürdő
More Art Nouveau in Hungary
The one place in Hungary that I recommend Art Nouveau lovers visit is Kecskemét, a two-hour train ride south of Budapest. This small provincial town is worth the journey for one of the great works of Ödön Lechner, the exquisite Cifrapalota on the main square. There’s not a great deal else to see in the town, but this one building is worth the journey.
Art Nouveau Budapest – Final Thoughts
I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to Art Nouveau buildings in Budapest. It’s one of the best cities in Europe to see it, and if you’re planning a Central Europe itinerary, I also recommend checking out my article on Art Nouveau Prague. If you’re travelling more widely, then take a look at my guide to Art Nouveau Barcelona too.
For more information on Budapest, check out my feature on photographing Budapest, one of the most rewarding cities in Europe to visit with your camera.
And if you plan to venture beyond Budapest, check out my guide to the best day trips from Budapest, which includes plenty more Hungarian Art Nouveau, and much more besides.