Art Shield - a new way of statue conservation

Our creative team designed and built a contemporary installation to protect one of Budapest’s most famous monuments from the frigid winters. Breaking the habit of covering the sculpture with a plastic sheet, a functional yet artistic pavilion came to life at the renewed Vörösmarty Square, located in the heart of the city. The Art Shield protects and highlights the monument at the same time, showing a new way of statue conservation. Although this is our first design that is mostly steel, it fits well with our previous works. During the design phase, we did not only focus on quality, but also on ensuring that the installation can be assembled and dismantled swiftly, and that it is also easy to transport and store. It’s important that the example of the spectacular conservational structure should be followed, therefore, we plan to deliver similar projects in the future. We are open to any inquiries concerning statue conservation, feel free to contact us via e-mail (hellowood@hellowood.eu)

Functional yet artistic

Our studio approached the winterization of the monument in Vörösmarty tér from a fresh angle. One of the most frequented squares of Budapest just emerged refreshed from renovation works, and the monument commemorating the rouser of the nation now also stands renewed. We created a unique temporary space around the artwork, protecting it from the damaging effect of winter’s frost and thaw. Functionality served as our excuse to twist all ideas of statue conservation and crown the monument with 10-metre-tall steel pavilion of sacral overtones. The statue, now on display again during winter seasons as well, and the pavilion together form the new gem of Vörösmarty tér setting the example for other public spaces in Europe.

One of Budapest’s foremost attractions is the annual Advent and Christmas Fair in Vörösmarty tér and right in the middle of it standed the Vörösmarty monument. Having been carved from Carrara marble, this artwork is susceptible to damage by moisture and frost. The temporary installation is dismantled at the end of each season; its elements can be reassembled in the square again next winter. The huge, arched structure owes its airy quality to its weatherproof steel sheets, while the transparent plexiglass facade protects it from the driving rain.

Inspiration

The conservation of the monument is the responsibility of the Mayor’s Office of Budapest, however the construction of buildings befitting Budapest’s modern cityscape is also an essential and forward-pointing element of their urban development concept. The conservation of the statue is at the heart of BFTK (Budapest Festival and Tourism Centre); they assigned our team to design and build a contemporary solution the pavilion, which goes against the established practice by protecting and highlighting the monument at the same time, allowing it to remain the jewel of the square all year round.

'Hazádnak rendületlenül légy híve oh magyar.' An excerpt from Szózat that translates to ‘To your homeland without fail / Be faithful, O Hungarian!’ is inscribed on the plinth. This was also the guiding principle of Vörösmarty’s life. Although the poet often lived in deprivation, he remained intent on embettering the nation as a writer, editor, neologist, and member of the parliament. His life is an example that will and the will to act can overcome any difficulty.

For over a hundred years now, the Vörösmarty monument has been representing the idea that even in difficult, turbulent centuries there are people and values capable of forging people living together into one nation. The churchlike pavilion that stands above the monument also symbolizes this dignified ideal. 

The shape and floorplan of the Art Shield are adapted to the size of the 9-metre-tall monument and the elliptical design of the square. Its refined form is a clear point of reference in the bustle of the fair. Its structure and use of materials ensure that the pavilion highlighting and displaying the statue will remain an ethereal but determining feature of the square even after the Christmas Fair.

Design team

Designed & built by: Hello Wood

Project architect: András Huszár 

Chief designer: Péter Pozsár 

Design architects: Tamás Fülöp, Péter Oravecz 

Project details

Width: 14,15 m

Depth: 9,00 m

Height: 10,65 m

Floor area: 112 m²

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