Városháza park

"For years, Budapest residents have eagerly awaited the transformation of the area behind the tram and bus stops at Deák Ferenc tér. This space, which was previously occupied by City Hall vehicles, has now been repurposed into a vibrant public park. The City Hall's courtyard officially opened its doors as a pop-up park on May 17th, offering a much-needed respite from the city's hustle and bustle. Gone are the rows of vehicles, replaced by a 7,000-square-metre park—almost double the original size! This temporary green haven features exciting landscaping, unique street furniture, and a variety of plants. The exciting part is that the final design for the permanent park is already in the works, promising even more green space in the heart of Budapest. On November 17th, the City Hall courtyard first opened for the city's 150th birthday celebrations, with concerts and exhibitions marking the occasion. Six months later, it reopened as a pop-up park. This temporary space will remain open until autumn, offering residents and visitors a peaceful escape, along with catering facilities, seasonal programmes, workshops, concerts, and community events. Summer activities are in full swing at the Városháza pop-up park, organized by the Municipality of Budapest and Budapest Brand nZrt. The park kicked off on May 17th with a spectacular opening performance featuring a DJ set and a stand-up comedy show. On May 18th, visitors were treated to a full day of activities, including a special memorial evening for the beloved Hungarian DJ, DJ Palotai. The park also boasts a restaurant open all day, offering the perfect place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Throughout the summer and into autumn, the park will host themed evenings and special events, catering to all interests. Whether you’re into sports or just looking for something fun, there’s something for everyone. International sporting events will be shown on projectors, and visitors can cheer alongside Hungarians. The park is family- and pet-friendly, welcoming all visitors to discover their new favourite summer hangout. While the Városháza Pop-Up Park is initially a temporary space, the groundwork is being laid for a complete transformation within the next few years. The winning design for the park’s permanent renewal comes from Lépték-Terv Landscape Architecture. The innovative plan breaks away from traditional square layouts, featuring a flexible, concentric design that accommodates various activities, from communal yoga and open-air cinema to large-scale concerts and fairs. The three-pronged vision for the revitalized Városháza Park includes: 1. Creating an expanded green space: With 8,000 square meters of new greenery, the park will be Budapest’s central green oasis. The eco-friendly design will also incorporate a rainwater recycling system, promoting sustainability in the heart of the city. 2. Embracing an ‘Open City Hall’ concept: The park will provide a platform for various events, such as commemorations, social gatherings, and political events. The ground floor of City Hall will be accessible to the public, fostering cultural and community activities, along with customer service functions. 3. Becoming a cultural hub: Regular events and activities will make the park a meeting place for Budapest residents, complementing the existing Budapest Gallery and Merlin building. The dynamic cultural zone promises to be a vibrant focal point of the city."