The memorial stone was erected in 1973 on the centenary of the laying of the foundation stone of the National Theatre, which was demolished to make way for the metro station in 1965.
During the current renovations taking place on Blaha Lujza tér, the memorial stone was taken to the restorer’s workshop, where the dirt accumulated over the decades was removed with a high-pressure water washer and a diamond grinder, and finally its surface was treated with a fungicide and algaecide.
The return of the statue means that the installation of public seating has begun and that pedestrians can once again use the zebra crossing leading to the 4/6 tram stop. A completely new one will soon be unveiled at the corner of the square close to the bus stops, which will make crossing Rákóczi út in the direction of Erzsébet körút barrier-free.
The renewal of Somogyi Béla utca is also
connected to the transformation of Blaha Lujza tér, here the kerb and pavement
construction have already been completed, and the parking areas are currently being
paved.
According to city transport authority BKK, this part of the project is also progressing according to schedule and is expected to be completed this year, along with the final renovations of Blaha Lujza tér.
