Close to busy Astoria, the former headquarters of the Military Insurance Institute now houses a major theatre, the Belvárosi Színház. Passers-by cannot fail to notice its huge wrought-iron gates, sculptures and geometric patterns. Back in the 1910s, however, it looked quite different, with roof towers more suited to Gotham City. The authorities have now just ordered their restoration.
The project to restore the original appearance of the Belvárosi Színház began in 2020, when a new law allowed the restoration of architecturally important buildings whose domes were demolished during the Socialist era. This includes the BME university building on Szent Gellért tér, the law school at ELTE university – and the Belvárosi Színház.
Work will begin on the roof structure of the former headquarters of the Military Insurance Institute, and the theatre can reclaim its long-forgotten towers.
Looking up at the theatre roof, you might notice an empty billboard. Given that the main façade is quite decorated, with Art-Nouveau touches, even on the huge wrought-iron gate and balcony railings, the roof was equally ornate.
Designed by Guidó Hoepfner and Géza Györgyi, it once sported five domes. Archive images reveal an Art-Deco style reminiscent of skyscrapers in New York. These domes were demolished in the 1950s as they looked too American for the Socialist government – even though the roof and towers had survived the war in good condition.
