“Who was this man whose name graces this plaque?” I ask. Before you stands the Neuschloss Kornél emléktabla a memorial plaque dedicated to Kornél Neuschloss. This unassuming marble plaque tells a remarkable story. A story of a man whose life spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He left an indelible mark on Budapest’s architectural landscape.
The plaque commemorates Kornél Neuschloss’s 150th birthday. It was erected by the Zugló local government and the Budapest and Pest County Chamber of Engineers. This simple act honors an extraordinary individual. Kornél wasn’t just any architect.
Neuschloss received his architectural diploma from the Zurich University. He worked for the Pest-Pilis-Solt-Kiskun County State Architectural Office starting in 1893. He later opened his own successful architectural practice in 1897. His life took an unexpected turn during World War I. He served as a staff captain in the 4th Honvéd Battalion of Nagyvárad. He received many awards for his service.
After the war his career continued. He taught construction engineering at the Ludovika Academy. He collaborated with Lajos Gyenes from 1924 onward. Remarkably Neuschloss was also an archaeologist. His talents extended beyond buildings. He held several public offices. He served as president of the Association of Hungarian Architects. He was also the director of the Budapest Rescue Association. He even served as a presbyter of the Pest Reformed Church.
The Neuschloss Kornél emléktabla doesn’t mention all his achievements. He designed many famous buildings. These include the National Meteorological Institute. The City Gasworks and the Lipótvárosi Gas Storage Facility’s Central Workshop and Warehouse building are also his works. The Budapest Zoo’s main gate and the Elephant House stand as testaments to his vision. He was the chief engineer for the Zoo’s 1910-1912 renovation. He even recommended Kós Károly and Zrumeczky Dezső for designing new buildings. They had previously collaborated on the Óbudai Reformed Parish building. Neuschloss’s contribution to Budapest extends further. He designed a housing estate for postal workers in the Gyarmat and Gervay Streets between 1911 and 1912.
This plaque sits on the wall of Dr Ferenc Guba’s house. We thank Dr Guba for his research into Neuschloss’s life. The unveiling of the Neuschloss Kornél emléktabla was a significant event. Gábor Szalay the Zugló liaison of the BPMK welcomed the guests. He gave a detailed presentation on the Neuschloss family. Zugló’s deputy mayor and the president of BPMK spoke. Miklós Persányi the director of the City Zoo and Botanical Garden also offered greetings. Maya Szilágyi director of the Post Museum and Cultural Heritage Fund also gave a speech.
The Neuschloss Kornél emléktabla is more than just a plaque. It is a window into the life of a remarkable man. A man who shaped the city we explore today. It is a reminder of the dedication and talent of those who came before us. It is a reminder of the contributions of one man to Budapest’s history.