Várkert kioszk

"Built between 1875 and 1882, it was designed by the renowned Hungarian architect Miklós Ybl as part of the Castle Garden Bazaar complex. Originally constructed to house the pumping station for the Royal Palace's water supply, the building has undergone multiple transformations and now serves as the Ybl Buda Creative House, a cultural and event venue. The kiosk was conceived as a decorative yet functional structure within the elegant Castle Garden ensemble. Its eclectic design blends Renaissance and Baroque influences, with fine sculptural details crafted by the Schröffl brothers and striking sgraffito wall paintings by Róbert Scholtz. The northern section of the building originally housed a café, while the southern portion contained the machinery for waterworks. A tower rising between these parts cleverly concealed the chimney of the steam boilers, reflecting Ybl's architectural ingenuity. The system pumped purified Danube water up to the Royal Palace, using a series of six underground cisterns discovered during excavations in 2009. Over the years, the kiosk evolved from a utility building to a hub of social life. By the early 20th century, it had transformed into an elegant café-restaurant with a music pavilion, dance floor, and lively terrace. However, the structure suffered damage during World War II and subsequent neglect. Despite renovations in 1992, its role diminished until it was repurposed as an event palace in 2008. In 2016, the Pallas Athéné Foundations took ownership and reimagined the building as the Ybl Buda Creative House. Its restoration aimed to preserve the historical character while introducing a new focus on the arts. Today, it hosts contemporary exhibitions, workshops, concerts, film screenings, and family-friendly programs. A café, garden, and terrace complete the inviting setting, ensuring that the Castle Garden Kiosk continues to contribute to Budapest’s cultural vibrancy. "