The rebirth of the Archduke Joseph Palace is on schedule

The reconstruction of the Archduke Joseph Palace, carried out as part of the National Hauszmann Programme, continues with the installation of façade elements. Work on the final design of the façade of the building located on St. George's Square began last autumn. Currently, the contractor's specialists are installing the window and door frames and working on the insulation of the façade. At the same time, they have begun installing carved Süttő limestone plinths and rustic ashlars on the south and east sides of the building, according to the National Hauszmann Programme and Magyar Építő Zrt. community page.

The Palace Garden will also be restored

Patterning of the façade ornaments is also underway, and their fixing will be another spectacular stage in the rebirth of the Archduke Joseph Palace. Carpentry work on the steel structure of the previously completed mansard roof is currently being carried out in preparation for the tin roofing. The construction of an oriental-style lodge along St. George's Street as part of the restoration of the palace garden will also begin soon.

The Archduke Joseph Palace is reborn after 56 years

Commissioned by the Castle Police, Magyar Építő Zrt. started the reconstruction of the Archduke Joseph Palace on St George's Square in July 2021. At the end of the 18th century, the Teleki Palace was built here, which was remodelled by Archduke Joseph Charles, son of the Prince-Nadar Joseph, by 1906. The building, which was restored in the historicist style to the designs of Flóris Korb and Kálmán Giergl, was damaged in the fighting of the Second World War. Instead of being reconstructed, it was used as a workers' hostel from 1951, and then, in 1968, the neglected and dilapidated palace was blown up and finally demolished. The site remained unbuilt until 2021. This is when the reconstruction of the Archduke Joseph Palace began as part of the National Hauszmann Programme.

Chapters from the construction diary

Our portal regularly reported on the milestones of the investment. Among other things, valuable artefacts were discovered during the archaeological excavations prior to the start of the works. The excavations were followed by the filling of the trenches, after which the construction of the base slab and the mining works for the lift shaft could begin. In 2022, the basement and the reinforced concrete structure of the lift shaft were completed. Then the test piling and structural work began. In April 2023, a topping-out ceremony was held after the structure of the Archduke Joseph Palace reached its highest point. The frame structure of the glass vault of the decorative staircase was also put in place. In January 2024, work began on the final form of the façade. The Archduke Joseph Palace building will be the future home of the Constitutional Court.

Modern technology, contemporary look

As part of the National Hauszmann Programme, the former neo-Renaissance stables and the fairytale palace enclosure will be rebuilt together with the Archduke Joseph Palace. Contractor Magyar Építő Zrt. has faithfully reproduced the original design of the palace's exterior. The interior will include the reconstruction of the glass-vaulted staircase and the first-floor ballroom.