Art Nouveau was an architectural movement that spread across Europe in the late 19th century, with each country putting its own spin on it. From Barcelona’s playful Modernisme to Paris’s refined Art Nouveau, the style became more symmetrical as you traveled east. Germany’s Jugendstil and Austria’s Secession were more disciplined, while Hungary’s Szecesszió was powerful, playful, and a bit darker compared to its western counterparts. It’s uniquely captivating, and we’ve compiled the top 10 must-visit Szecesszió sites in beautiful Budapest.
We’ve narrowed down the list to the 10 Art Nouveau sights you shouldn’t miss in Budapest. It was a tough choice, so we’ve also included 15 more Szecesszió sites worth visiting if you have extra time and want to delve deeper into this Hungarian version of Art Nouveau. Let’s jump right in:
First up is the Parisi Udvar, or “Paris Courtyard,” originally designed as a covered, Parisian courtyard in 1912. It now houses a luxurious 110-room hotel managed by Hyatt. After extensive renovations, this building, with its Gothic and Moorish-inspired details, is more stunning than ever. Hungarian artist Miksa Róth designed its stained glass windows, and its unique crystal dome took 1.5 years to assemble, making this a true gem of Budapest Szecesszió.
The Four Seasons Hotel Budapest Gresham Palace, located at the end of the Chain Bridge opposite Buda Castle, is a dream for Art Nouveau lovers with a taste for luxury. Built in 1906 as an office and apartment building for the Gresham Life Assurance Company, it has served many purposes before reopening as a luxury hotel in 2004. The hotel’s restored Art Nouveau features include a large staircase, stained glass, mosaics, ironwork, and winter gardens, making it a must-stay.
After experiencing the city’s luxurious hotels, the next best spot to soak up Budapest’s Art Nouveau charm is its thermal baths. Some baths date back to the 16th century, but the Géllert and Széchenyi Thermal Baths from the Art Nouveau period stand out. Renovated in 2009, these baths feature yellow buildings with Neo-Baroque influences, contrasting beautifully with the turquoise water. The mineral-rich thermal waters have long been prized for their healing properties.
The Ráth Museum is another hidden treasure in Budapest. While the building itself isn’t Art Nouveau, its interior is packed with Art Nouveau furniture, textiles, and glassware. György Ráth, the first director of the Museum of Applied Arts, originally filled his villa with these pieces, which are now displayed as part of the museum’s collection. Renovated and reopened in 2018, the museum is a haven for Art Nouveau enthusiasts.
Next, there’s an imposing building from 1907, dedicated to the arts and featuring a sculpture of 19th-century composer Franz Liszt. Attend a concert here to appreciate its true purpose: music. Even the cheapest tickets offer an opportunity to marvel at the concert hall’s huge organ, elaborate chandeliers, and numerous ornamentations. Guided tours in English are also available daily.
For a rooftop view, visit the Intermezzo Roof Terrace at the Hotel President to admire the colorful, glazed roof tiles of the State Treasury, originally the Postal Savings Bank, designed by Hungarian architect Ödön Lechner. Completed in 1.5 years with limited funds, the building is adorned with Zsolnay tile patterns and motifs symbolizing hard work, industry, and renewal.
Another Art Nouveau marvel is the Bedő House, built in 1903 by Emil Vidor for the Bedő family. Inspired by Belgian architect Horta, Vidor combined Belgian and Hungarian design elements, including Zsolnay factory decorations. The building was renovated and reopened as a museum in 2007, restoring its original details.
The Török Bank House, designed by Henrik Böhm and Ármin Hegedüs in 1906, is another excellent example of Hungarian Szecesszió. Its glass and iron facade is topped with a mosaic by Miksa Róth, depicting Hungary as a woman surrounded by historical figures. Inside, the Á la Maison Breakfast and Brunch Restaurant offers a modern touch.
One of the most distinctive Szecesszió-style public schools is located somewhat outside the main tourist area. It was designed by Ármin Hegedűs and features mosaics by Zsigmond Vajda and Miksa Róth, depicting child-friendly motifs. The recently restored coat of arms of Budapest is a vibrant highlight.
The Parizsi Nagyaruhaz, or Paris Department Store, on Andrássy Avenue, exemplifies Hungarian Szecesszió with its dark, powerful facade. Originally a casino, it became Budapest’s first high-class department store in 1910. The grand ballroom, adorned with frescoes by painter Károly Lotz, became a café—a key attraction. Although the building is currently closed, it remains a significant landmark worth admiring.
These 10 sites offer a captivating glimpse into Budapest’s unique Art Nouveau heritage, and we recommend visiting as many as you can.
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