The recently renovated Royal Garden Pavilion or Castle Bazaar at the foot of the Buda Castle will host two major exhibitions in the near future: am exhibition gathering the works of famous Hungarian painter Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka this summer and a memorial exhibition marking the beginning of World War I next year, Government Commissioner László L. Simon said at a press event on Thursday in Budapest.

The Neo-Renaissance Pavilion was designed by renowned Hungarian architect Miklós Ybl and inaugurated in 1883. Originally conceived as a commercial venue, it was badly damaged during World War II and partially renovated in 1961, after which it was host to youth concerts through the 1980s, when it again fell into severe disrepair.

The first phase of the renovation – costing a total 6.7 billion forints (EUR 21.9 million) – was completed recently and already hosts three exhibitions, opened by Minister of State for Culture János Halász on 3 April.

Mr. Simon said it was not an easy task to find a proper role for the building – now hosting temporary exhibitions – because it was originally conceived by Ybl as an “ornamental ribbon to the Castle Gardens”.

He said that following the first phase of renovation work the building has regained its former glory and the remaining additions – the gardens, an underground garage and a multifunctional auditorium – will be completed by 28 August this year.

(Ministry of Human Resources)