Those with an eagle eye may already have an idea of what this fascinating façade might have looked like in the past, as from side streets you can get a glimpse of winged females and Hermes heads adorning the outer walls. In photos from 1926, when the store was opened, the façade looks stunning, adorned with mythological figures and huge glass windows. Back in the day, Corvin Department Store was considered truly chic and modern; fashion shows and exhibitions were held inside, and in the afternoons live music entertained visitors. The building also housed Hungary’s first ever escalator that was put into operation in 1931.
In the 1960s, Blaha Lujza Square underwent a major facelift: the National Theater was demolished, the construction of the M2 metro began and the department store had to be modernized. As covering the building with cast stone would have been too expensive – the old façade would have needed to be fully renovated – it was decided that the ramshackle walls would be covered with massive aluminium plates instead. Back then, Pest residents hated the new look of the department store, and little has changed since.
A few months ago, MÜSZI – a cultural and community complex – moved out of the building to give space to offices being set up. Rumors about the possible future of the building have been spreading ever since. The decision about the removal of the hideous metal layer was made in early November, but the issue of the need for a renovation has not yet been addressed. Many will be hoping that this once impressive edifice soon regains its former glory.
