Back to the Roots: The Centennial Houses
 

After a decade of exploring various thematic neighborhoods and eras, Budapest100 is returning to its original concept: celebrating the 100-year-old houses.

The 2026 festival, titled "Újra!" (Again!), focuses on residential buildings and institutions constructed between 1916 and 1926.

This is a particularly fascinating period in Budapest’s history, covering the final years of WWI and the transformative "Roaring Twenties." Because the festival is also making up for "birthday houses" missed during the pandemic and recent thematic years, the selection of buildings is larger and more diverse than ever.

What Makes Budapest100 Unique?

Unlike a standard museum tour, Budapest100 is powered by volunteers and the residents themselves. It’s a rare opportunity to:

* Explore Secret Gardens: See the hidden "hanging corridors" and lush inner courtyards invisible from the street.
* Hear Living History: Meet residents who share family stories passed down through generations.
* Enjoy Rooftop Views: Many participating buildings grant access to attics or roof terraces normally off-limits to everyone but the chimney sweep.

2026 Program Highlights

This year’s map includes over 275 active items, ranging from grand downtown palaces to hidden gems in the outer districts.

Notable participants include:

* The Corvin Palace: Take a guided tour through the legendary department store at Blaha Lujza tér.
* Pasarét & Rókushegy: A focus on the "modernist dawn" with guided walks through the elegant villas of District II.
* Blinken OSA Archivum (Goldberger House): A deep dive into the industrial and social history of this iconic District V building.
* Budafok Centennial: Celebrating not just the buildings, but the 100th anniversary of Budafok being declared a city.

Practical Information for Expats

When:
Saturday, May 9 & Sunday, May 10, 2026.

Where:
Across all of Budapest (check the digital map at budapest100.hu).

Cost:
Most programs are free of charge.

Registration:
While many courtyards are "open house" style, guided walks and specific building tours usually require pre-registration, which often fills up within hours of opening on the website.

Download the Budapest100 app (available on iOS and Android) to create a custom itinerary. The "English-friendly" tours are usually highlighted, but even without a guide, the visual splendor of these century-old courtyards speaks for itself.

More: 
budapest100.hu