01/08/2025
the remarkable architectural transformation of the Corvin Department Store (Corvin Áruház) in Budapest, Hungary.
Here's a summary of its journey:
Original Grandeur (1926): Designed by Zoltán Reiss, the Corvin Department Store opened in 1926 on Blaha Lujza Square, boasting a neoclassical façade and becoming one of Budapest's most elegant shopping destinations, even featuring Hungary's first escalator in 1931.
Post-War Cover-up (1967): After suffering damage in WWII and the 1956 Hungarian National Uprising, the building's original façade was controversially covered with a stark aluminum cladding in 1967, intended as a cost-effective modernization at the time, but widely disliked by residents.
The Unveiling and Restoration (2018-2023): The decision to remove the aluminum cladding was made in 2017, and the protective covering (depicting the original façade) was removed in 2018, revealing the classical architecture underneath. A significant renovation project followed, aiming to restore the building to its former glory.
Rebirth as Corvin Palace (2023-2024): The renovated building, now known as Corvin Palace, officially reopened in stages, with retail areas in late summer/early autumn 2023 and other facilities like Time Out Market Budapest scheduled for 2025. The image shows this stunning "before and after" comparison between its appearance in 2015 (with cladding) and 2024 (restored facade).
