On April 4, 2022 the Government of Hungary has decided to allocate the funds needed for the renovation of the Institute for Foreign Affairs and Trade’s and the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy’s building at Bérc utca 13-15. IFAT has worked closely with the coordinator of the works, the State Construction Agency as well with the architects to produce the necessary plans which will transform the villa, originally built in 1937 by Béla Málnai into a true 21st century research and conference center, supporting the daily job of both IFAT and the HDA:
The reconstruction, which is expected to last two and a half years, will transform the mansion in many ways. Not only the exterior of the building will be renovated, but it will receive new heat and moisture insulation making the mansion more energy efficient. The number of parking spaces will be reduced as well, resulting in a larger garden making the environment of the villa greener. An elevator will be installed to provide access to all levels also to persons with reduced mobility.
The Hungarian Institute of International Affairs, IFAT’s predecessor has moved to its Gellért-hill location in 2007. After 15 years overlooking the magnificent view of Budapest however, temporarily we have to relocate for about two and a half years until the renovation works are completed. During this interim period, IFAT will operate at another state-owned piece of real estate, which is also managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. An equally unique building, the art-noveau Baruch Palace at the heart of Pest’s Diplomatic District will be temporary headquarters of the Institute, which has its own conference facilities as well. Exchanging the sometimes adventurous Bus 27 to the oldest subway of Continental Europe will facilitate an easier access to our future audience as well. We are looking forward to seeing all of you at our temporary HQ as well!
For more details about the Baruch Palace please click here!