The wonderful building of the British Embassy in Budapest has not always been a diplomatic mission. From its completion in 1914 until 1946 it was the head office of Hazai Bank (or, in English, the National Savings Bank), and still bears many features of its banking career. Designed by the Hungarian architect Károly Rainer in 1912, the building has an interesting history.

In November 1944 the Bank leased the third floor of the building to the Swedish Legation, initially as office space. The Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, who engaged in a brave effort to save Hungary's Jews from deportation and death, was frequently there and gave shelter for Hungarian Jews in the building of Hazai Bank.

Please come and visit our wonderful, historic building. We are open on Saturday (15 September) from 12.00 until 16.00 and on Sunday (16 September) between 10.00-14.00.

Please be informed that due to serious security restrictions only the ground floor of the building will be open for visitors (main entrance, entrance hall, main staircase, old banking hall, waiting room vault). Entry is subject to security check. Visitors may enter continuously, but only a maximum of 30 guests may be in the building at the same time.

Source: British Embassy Budapest