Published: November 15 2023
In Budapest, a historic ruin is being transformed into the new home of the Hungarian Military Museum. The museum was forced to relocate due to the Defence Ministry's decision to move into its previous location. The museum's proposed new home, which was heavily damaged in World War II and declared a ruin in 1949, is currently undergoing renovation and will also serve as a visitors' centre for Buda Castle.
The History of the Building
The building that will house the Hungarian Military Museum was severely damaged during World War II and was declared a ruin in 1949. Its upper storey was gradually demolished by 1962. In 2012-14, a partial renovation took place, which included cleaning the bullet-riddled facade and renovating the main entrance and lobby.
Functionality of the New Space
The Ministry of Defence has stated that once the restoration is complete, the building will not only house the Military History Institute and Museum but also serve as a visitors' centre for Buda Castle. It will feature 2,500 square metres of exhibition space for military history exhibitions, as well as office spaces. The ministry aims to have the restoration finished and the museum relocated by 2026.
Questions & Answers
What is the new home of the Hungarian Military Museum? The Hungarian Military Museum has relocated to the former home of the Defence Ministry on Kapisztrán tér in Buda Castle, Budapest.
Why did the museum have to relocate? The museum was forced to relocate because the Defence Ministry decided to move into the museum's previous home.
What was the condition of the museum's proposed new home before renovation? The museum's proposed new home was heavily damaged during World War II and was declared a ruin in 1949. Its upper storey was gradually demolished by 1962.
When did the renovation of the museum's new home take place? The building underwent a partial renovation from 2012 to 2014, during which its bullet-riddled facade was cleaned and its main entrance and lobby were renovated.
What will the renovated building function as? The renovated building will not only house the Military History Institute and Museum but will also serve as a visitors' centre for Buda Castle. It will have 2,500 square metres of exhibition space for military history exhibitions as well as offices.
When is the Military History Institute and Museum expected to open in its new location? The Ministry of Defence stated that the restored Military History Institute and Museum is scheduled to open in its new location by 2026.
