A cultural centre in the form of a Rubik’s cube may be built in Budapest on the banks of the Danube. The Government has issued a resolution to support such a large-scale cultural project. The building would function as a museum, events venue and exhibition centre, and could be one of Budapest’s most important cultural venues.

The Rubik’s Cube (or Magic Cube), one of the world’s most popular puzzles, was invented by Ernő Rubik in 1975. In the 1980s it was ‘Toy of the Year’ in several countries, and around the world clubs, societies and competitions are organised by its fans. The first Rubik’s Cube World Championship took place in Budapest in 1982. More than 100 million cubes have been sold, and its popularity is undiminished to this day.

On 30 March, Viktor Orbán and the inventor signed a cooperation agreement for the creation of the new centre, which will be devoted to talent, innovation and products of outstanding ingenuity. The most likely location will be on the Buda bank of the Danube in Budapest, near to Rákóczi Bridge, but representatives from professional organizations are still consulting on the final choice of site.

The Government will organize an international architectural competition in 2013, and Mr. Rubik will be on the jury. Construction is planned to take place between 2014 and 2017. The preliminary concept is for a cultural centre of ten to twenty thousand square metres.

(kormany.hu)