A yellow-green telephone booth stands quietly. It’s the Örkény István emlék-telefonfülke. This isn’t just any phone booth. This is a portal to the past.
This unassuming phone booth in Remeteszőlős holds a unique piece of Budapest’s history. It commemorates the centenary of Örkény István’s birth. Opened in 2013 it plays Örkény’s one-minute plays.
Pick up the receiver. You’ll hear the voices of famous actors. They recite Örkény’s witty and poignant short plays. Each time you lift the receiver a different play begins. Fifteen different recordings offer a random selection. It’s a theatrical surprise each time.
The booth itself is a work of art. Örkény’s portrait and a passage from his work “Ballad about the Power of Poetry” adorn its walls. This was chosen because it described the very spot. The text describes a hidden meadow near the last houses of Hűvösvölgy.
Beyond the phone booth a small book exchange stands. It’s a vibrant part of the community. People leave and borrow books. A guestbook holds comments from visitors. Some are funny. Others are deeply personal sharing feelings about the place.
There is more to this location than just Örkény. A nearby musical fountain pays tribute to local musicians. It incorporates Roman artifacts. The fountain’s water activates the music feature. A selection of classical works from composers such as Vivaldi and Bach play unexpectedly. Sadly in 2021 March the fountain was malfunctioning.
The Örkény István emlék-telefonfülke in the Bodza grove is more than a monument. It’s a testament to a great writer. It’s a place for community. It’s a magical blend of art and history. It invites everyone to step into Örkény’s world. Listen to his words. Feel the magic.