For decades, the former Ballet Institute facing the Opera House has lain empty, awaiting transformation. Now it’s finally going to be renovated, specialist photographer Olivér Hargitay arranged a unique shoot amid its abandoned spaces, involving students of the Hungarian University of Dance, choreographed by prize-winning dancer Katalin Volf. These images are now on display around downtown Szervita tér, posted up until 5 July.

Designed by famed architects Ödön Lechner and Gyula Pártos, the Drechsler Palace opened in 1886 and was home to the State Ballet Institute between 1949 and 2002. As we reported recently, it will soon be converted into a five-star hotel as part of the W Hotels chain, with a funky, urban brand under the Marriott umbrella.

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