Sculpted in bronze, Empress Elisabeth of Austria, affectionately known as Sisi, sits serenely on her settee at the Erzsébet királynė Statue. She gazes humbly downward, a queen beloved by the Hungarian people. The Erzsébet királynė Statue, a memorial to her enduring legacy, stands as a testament to her connection to Hungary. Sisi, born into Bavarian royalty, married Emperor Franz Joseph at a young age. She struggled with the rigid formality of the Viennese court. She found solace and freedom in Hungary, embracing its culture and people. Sisi learned Hungarian and championed their cause during the formation of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. Her genuine affection for Hungary earned her the love and admiration of its people. They called her simply “Sisi,” a name that echoed their deep respect. Tragically, in 1898, Sisi’s life was cut short by an assassin’s hand in Geneva. The Hungarian people mourned deeply. They desired a place to honor her memory, a memorial to their beloved queen. The Erzsébet királynė Statue was first unveiled in 1932, a beautiful bronze tribute crafted by sculptor György Zala and architect Rezső Hikisch. It stood initially on Eskü tér, now Március 15. tér. During the communist era, the statue was removed and hidden away, a casualty of the regime’s anti-royalist stance. But Sisi’s spirit, much like the statue, would not remain hidden. In 1996, the Erzsébet királynė Statue was re-inaugurated in its current location at Döbrentei Square. Here, near the bridge that also bears her name, Sisi’s presence graces the city once more. The inscription on the plinth reads, “Erzsebet Kiralyne,” Hungarian for Queen Elisabeth, and the dates 1887-1898. These dates, though seemingly inaccurate for her life (1837-1898), represent a period of particular significance for Sisi and Hungary. The Erzsébet királynė Statue is more than just bronze and stone. It is a symbol of the enduring bond between a queen and her people, a tribute to a woman who found solace and purpose in a land far from her birthplace.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to