Budapest100 was launched by Open Society Archives and KÉK Contemporary Architecture Centre to celebrate 100-year-old buildings in Budapest together with volunteers, locals and residents. The program is just as much about Budapest today as Budapest in the past, and also the often overly neglected, unrecognizably barbarized houses. It encourages a joint contemplation about renewal and the birth of cohesive residential communities.
On the first meeting of the residents, held in February, 34 buildings showed some interest in the project. Following the general introduction of the program, the residents introduced themselves and explained why they think it’s good to encourage their neighbors to open the gates of their homes and take part in the weekend project.
About 90 volunteers assist with the organization. They are the ones who did research in archives in order to find the buildings, took pictures of them, took letters to thousands of Budapest addresses, contacted institutions and have been a helping hand in organizing the programs themselves.
The facades of the 60 houses have been fitted with the sign of Budapest100 to let people know what they can expect during the weekend: exciting programs, cookies, flea market, book exchange, lemonade or even freshly painted gates. There will be places where the panorama will amaze you, while at others delicate stories about prostitutes will be the subject of entertainment. Then there will be theater tours with music, screenings, teaching in a 100-year-old school using blackboards and radio car in its yard. You’ll have the opportunity to see tarnished pictures and various other objects, memories of the past. All buildings and events (but the ones that require registration prior to the visit) can be visited during opening hours free of charge. The Registration for English-guided tours are also available on page http://budapest100.hu/walks! Explore and celebrate the buildings of 100 years of age with us.
Photo: http://vanguard.blogol.hu
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