Zádor Anna: Neoclassical Pest - Our Budapest (Budapest, 1993)

The construction of the museum in Hungary also has a long history. Count Ferenc Széchényi donated his significant private collection for this purpose in 1805, and the site for the building was provided by Antal Grassalkovich. The first plan was prepared by János Hild, but did not prove attractive enough to overcome the jealous reluctance of certain Viennese circles. Nevertheless, the desire to see its realization grew stronger and stronger. It was supported by Ferenc Kölcsey, who, while speaking in parliament in 1832 said “[the arts are] the lever of our political, national and social life.” Finally, in 1836 the Viceroy commissioned Mihály Pollack to prepare the final plans. Several versions later they were

(National Müseüm) Ceremonial Hall (detail)

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