Hungary’s new McDonald’s restaurant has moved into a modernist listed building in the centre of Budapest

Almost a hundred years ago, in 1927, the terminus for long-distance buses in Budapest’s city centre was established at Oktogon. After the Second World War, space had to be made for an increasing number of buses, so the need for a larger, more modern station soon became apparent: in 1947, the Ministry of Transport and Post ordered the construction of a new station building in a central location.

Travellers were greeted by an airy and spacious area

The decision was made as early as the first round: the station was situated in the very centre of the city, on what was then – from 1946 – known as Stalin Square. The building, designed by István Nyíri, was completed by 1 August 1949 and is a fine example of the mature modernism of the era.

It was more than just a concourse and a ticket office: a space had been created on the upper floor to host cultural events.

The quality of the building is clearly demonstrated by the fact that it was designated a listed building as early as 1977, just 28 years after it was inaugurated.

They have preserved the heritage

A significant building from Hungary’s modernist heritage has been converted by Market Építő Zrt. for McDonald’s, based on designs by 2K Studio Kft.. As their press release states, the new outlet has opened with guest-focused, contemporary restaurant solutions and a unique interior design concept, which both pays homage to the site’s past and embodies the brand’s ongoing renewal.

The room still features, for example, the wall decorated with clocks showing the local time in various cities around the world, the distinctive central clock, and the characterful architectural features of the former bus station, which form a defining part of the Terminal’s history.

Contemporary art set in a modern context

These heritage features are complemented by interior design elements from the „Cube” concept – a McDonald’s design concept not yet used in Hungary. The interior design was inspired by the experience of unwrapping a Happy Meal™ box: the space features geometric shapes, warm colours and details that evoke the iconic smile motif. As part of the concept, the restaurant also features a unique wall mural that evokes key moments in the history of Erzsébet Square and the building, as well as the changing community role of the location. The aim of the design is to create a friendly, playful yet contemporary environment that evokes shared memories and experiences associated with the restaurant chain.

The Terminal symbolises both McDonald’s growth in Hungary and the restaurant chain’s commitment to creating outlets at iconic locations that honour the heritage of the site whilst being tailored to the needs of today’s guests. Thus, following the restaurants on Régiposta Street and at Nyugati Square, the domestic network has been expanded with yet another truly special outlet.

The opening of this outlet marks another milestone in McDonald’s expansion programme in Hungary. The company has been steadily expanding its network in recent times and now operates 127 restaurants in Hungary, whilst also contributing to the development of the domestic hospitality sector through new digital services, modern restaurant solutions and the creation of a significant number of new jobs.