The building that once served as the Zugliget terminus of Buda’s horse-drawn railway, and later of the tram network, is a distinctive monument of Budapest’s transport history. During its approximately 150-year history, the listed building underwent several phases of alteration throughout the 20th century. As a result, much of its original character was lost, while its structural and spatial qualities remained concealed for decades.

The aim of the reconstruction was to restore the building’s original proportions, spatial experience and richness of detail, while introducing contemporary uses that would reintegrate it into the everyday life of Budapest. Rather than preserving later additions and layers that obscured the historic structure, the restoration was guided by the building’s original appearance and constructional logic.

A key element of the renovation was the exposure of the previously concealed roof structure and the rediscovery of the historic parts of the building. The café and exhibition functions were not imposed as independent programmes, but carefully adapted to the qualities and constraints of the protected monument. The Zugliget Horse-Drawn Railway Terminus therefore retains its significance as a monument of transport history while becoming a new, open community venue for the neighbourhood.