Bulyovszky Mansion, 124 Andrássy Road

 
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Mansions are the most popular types of buildings from the historical architecture of the 19th century. They became more widely known at the turn of the 18th century to the 19th. This style can be related to the Romantic cult of nature, which was first popular amongst the aristocracy, then reached the bourgoise, as well.

 
Sándor Fellner, architect (left), who built the mansion (right)
Source: epiteszforum.hu, MESZL Budapest Collection

Although both social classes were in need of getting out of the unhealthy city and into nature, the mansion architecture remained for the bourgoise. The mansions on Andrássy Road (back then called Boulevard) were usually built in Italian neo-Renaissance style, which was also represented by Miklós Ybl. The Bulyovszky Mansion, however, sticks out slightly, since it’s not Italian, but German neo-Renaissance. It was designed by Sándor Fellner in 1884. The mansion has an important place in the works of the architect, who has the Ministry of Finance building on Szentháromság Square (Trinity Square) and the Ministry of Justice building on Markó street under his belt: it was his first independent commission, and he exceeded all expectations.

Military procession in honor of Victor Emmanuel III, Italian King, in 1937, with the mansion in the back
Source: Fortepan / Mária Hanser

The commissioner, Lilla Bulyovszkyné Szilágyi was born into a noble acting family on Kolozsvár in 1833. She got married in 1848 to Gyula Bulyovszky, lawyer, journalist and playwright, who was one of the Youth of March, who helped write up the 12 Points. In her elderly years she retired from acting and spent her time in Graz and Budapest. Her mansion on Andrássy Road was built after the death of her husband, in 1884-1885.

 
Lilla Bulyoszkyné Szilágyi, actress (left), and her husband, Gyula Bulyovszky, lawyer and journalist (right)
Source: Wikipedia

Looking at the main façade, it is visible that the weight is symmetrical, which was one characteristic of the Hungarian mansion architecture. This symmetry is only broken by small towers on the corners. The most significant feature is the middle projection, jutting out slightly, with an elegant loggia on the ground floor. Although this loggia, with Palladio-motifs, is part of the Italian neo-Renaissance, it appears on German neo-Renaissance buildings. Above the loggia is a large balcony, and the projection is closed with an impressive gable. Most of the original reliefs can still be found on it, but the statue, which depicts the actress in her most iconic role, Sappho, is no longer there.

 
The statue of Bulyovszkyné actress on the facade, which cannot be seen today (sectioned parts of pictures)
Sources of original complete pictures: MESZL Budapest Collection, index.hu

The other facades also hold impressive decorations, grouped especially around the windows and doors, and also on the corner towers. Various masks can be seen on multiple places, referencing the profession of the commissioner. Like in mansions in general, the most representative spaces are on the ground and first floors, behind the main façade.

   
Source: pestbuda.hu

The main staircase is quite elegant, it is still mostly in its original state. Most of the rooms have vaulted ceilings with stucco ornaments. The mansion was nationalized in 1949, like the rest of the buildings. It was given to the Democratic Association of Hungarian Women, then in 1957 the association took up the name National Council of Hungarian Women. Its successor, which was working under the name Association of Hungarian Women after the regime change, inherited the Andrássy Road mansion. The Society of Hungarian Sex Workers also operated here (this address is still on their website) and here worked the editorial office of the weekly journal “Demokrata” (Democrat – ed.), published by the Hungarian House Foundation, but they moved since then, because the publisher sold its share of ownership.

The Hungarian Judicial Executive Commission put the share of the Women’s association up for auction in October 2020, but it was rescinded in the beginning of December. The Association of Hungarian Women sold its share later. Today, it apparently houses the headquarters of the United Nations Association of Hungary. The condition of the mansion is not that bad, but it needs renovation. Unfortunately, the building cannot be entered, it seems empty on the outside.

Source: pestbuda.hu

Source: pestbuda.hu