Ever wondered where Budapest’s artists found their light and inspiration? Right here stands the Gellért-hegyi Műteremház. This building at the intersection of Mányoki út and Kelenhegyi út tells a story of art and ambition.
Completed in 1903 the Gellért-hegyi Műteremház quickly became a hub for Hungarian artists. Its presence highlights the importance of District XI in the city’s urban development. The Kelenhegyi út was a key location in this vision.
Kosztolányi-Kann Gyula a painter and architect designed this late Secessionist building. He was a follower of Ödön Lechner. Lechner was famous for using Hungarian motifs. The architect’s other buildings are mostly known from blueprints only. The Gellért-hegyi Műteremház is a rare exception.
Originally planned for another location the Gellért-hegyi Műteremház found its home here thanks to the artistic vibe around Gellért Hill. The city council approved the new location. They had initially resisted a two-story building in this villa district.
Inside the Gellért-hegyi Műteremház initially provided nineteen studios and one apartment. Each studio had the latest amenities including gas and electric lighting. Most studios also featured a room and bathroom. American-style stoves heated the spaces. The most expensive studio cost 880 crowns per year. The cheapest was 510 crowns.
Many famous artists worked within these walls. Herman Lipót spent sixty years here. Jenő Kerényi and Béla Czóbel also worked here. Iván Szkok and Aladár Almássi are among today’s artists. The late Ignác Kokas also called this place home.
The Gellért-hegyi Műteremház played a role in creating a Parisian atmosphere. Many studios were built on the top floors of buildings along Bartók Béla út. The Hadik coffee house was a popular spot for artists. Frigyes Karinthy and Zsigmond Móricz were regular patrons. Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka had his studio on top of the Hadik building.
Originally the studios were exclusively for work. After the war apartments were created within them. The seven-meter high ceilings made adding galleries easy. Some apartments still contain the original dressing rooms for models.
During World War II the Gellért-hegyi Műteremház suffered damage. A bomb hit the building and destroyed the roof’s glass sections. These skylights were never rebuilt. Ferenc Veszely a pop-art artist shared these details.
Today the Gellért-hegyi Műteremház stands as a testament to Budapest’s artistic heritage. Artists such as József Rippl-Rónai and Erzsébet Vojnich once worked here. The building is now awaiting renovation to ensure that more artists can be inspired here.
As you stand here think of the many artists who found their creative spark within the walls of Gellért-hegyi Műteremház. It remains a monument to Budapest’s vibrant cultural life.