Not every library begins life as a former palace, but the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library in Budapest, Hungary, is no ordinary institution.
Complete with gilded interiors, floor-to-ceiling mirrors and ornate chandeliers, the library is a beloved spot for researchers and students alike.
Its story stretches back to 1887, when aristocrats Count Frigyes Wenckheim and his wife Countess Krisztina Wenckheim commissioned architect Artúr Meinig to create an elaborate residence.
Created during the height of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Wenckheim Palace was hailed as a masterpiece of Hungarian Neo-Baroque architecture. The finished design contained 48 rooms, including lavish salons and private boudoirs.
But the palace’s time as a family home was short-lived. In 1927, the residence was bought by the City Council of Budapest. Four years of construction followed, and the building opened as a library in 1931.
The palace now sits at the heart of the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library, following an extensive renovation project completed in 2001. Named after the politician and social reformer Ervin Szabó, this state-of-the-art library holds 1.1 million volumes.
Oozing serenity and splendour, the library is a must-see destination for culture lovers. From opulent ballrooms to oak-panelled living rooms, discover the wonders of Budapest’s hidden gem.
Visiting the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library
- Palace rooms: The palace rooms are located on the fourth floor of the library. The rooms include Dining Room, Large and Small Ballrooms and the Living Room.
- Tickets: To visit, purchase a ticket from the information desk in the library’s main entrance. Tickets are 1900 HUF (around £4).
- Address: Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library, 1088 Budapest, Szabó Ervin tér 1.
- Visiting information: For the latest prices and opening times, visit fszek.hu
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