One of Budapest’s most prestigious baths has been a hive of activity since last fall. The architectural firm 3h has presented detailed plans for the comprehensive reconstruction of the Gellért Baths. The aim is not only to renovate the century-old masterpiece technically, but also to blend its original elegance with contemporary comfort.
“An ideal space must contain elements of magic, tranquility, enchantment, and mystery,” the team of architects quoted Luis Barragán, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, when presenting the concept on epiteszforum.hu. Anyone approaching the Gellért complex from the slope of Gellért Hill immediately understands what is meant. The playful roofscape with its striking battlements and patinated bronze domes acts as an architectural bridge between the Orient and the Occident.
Opened in 1918, the baths are a child of the Belle Époque. They tell of a time of national awakening and the search for identity. Roman and Turkish motifs meet the finest Western Art Nouveau and ornamental Zsolnay ceramics here. However, over the decades, various renovations and the traces of World War II left behind a functional labyrinth.
The biggest challenge for the architects at 3h was to correct the functional “mistakes” that had accumulated over time. Numerous extensions—such as the conversion of the drinking hall into a cloakroom or the integration of a day hospital—had resulted in a loss of clear signage.
Gellért Spa, Budapest. Photo: Wikipedia
The key points of the redesign:
Uniform changing room system: A modern, interconnected cloakroom system is being created under the iconic auditorium, consistently separating street and bathing traffic.
Revitalization of the thermal areas: The formerly separate ladies’ and gentlemen’s wings are being optimized for coeducational use, with historical privacy screens preserving the intimate character.
New sauna world: Spacious relaxation areas are being created on the site of the former drinking hall as part of a new, modern sauna landscape.
The renovation was long overdue. Dilapidated supporting structures, outdated building services, and war damage to the women’s wing that had never been completely repaired made radical intervention necessary. The planners proceeded like detectives. They studied yellowed original plans and “questioned” the building fabric in order to revive the spirit of 1918.
However, the architects are not turning their backs on more recent history. The striking “bubble shape” of the outdoor area from the 1970s has been retained as it is recognized as a valuable historical artifact. The outdoor experience is complemented by a new panoramic sauna by the children’s pool.
A highlight of the modernization is the creation of a high-quality private spa area in the wing facing Kelenhegyi Street. Exclusive suites are being built here on the ground floor and first floor, offering direct access to the historic bathing areas – a concept that has already been successfully implemented in other Budapest baths.
Due to the enormous dimensions, the implementation will take place in two stages.
Phase 1: Focus on the interior and the historic thermal areas.
Phase 2: Completion of the private spa, outdoor facilities, and beach.
The renovation of the Gellért Baths is more than just a technical refurbishment; it is a harmonious dialogue between the past and the present. When the work is complete, Budapest will regain an icon that combines its hundred-year history with 21st-century elegance.
Via epiteszforum.hu, Világgazdaság; Featured image: Christo via Wikimedia Commons
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