During my exploration of Budapest, I discovered this hidden gem in the courtyard of Dessewffy utca 16. This beautiful mid-19th-century building is the former atelier of the sculptor János Marschalkó, known as the “father” of the majestic lions guarding the recently renovated Széchenyi Chain Bridge.

Born in Lőcse (Levoča, now in Slovakia) in 1819, Marschalkó studied under the guidance of Joseph Klieber at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts. In 1844, he traveled to Munich, Paris, and Rome before settling in Pest in 1846.

The building at Dessewffy utca 16 suffered neglect for many years but recently underwent a significant renovation. Unfortunately, the restoration, which can sometimes be excessive in Budapest (in my opinion), has somewhat eroded the building’s original charm and character.

While researching the building’s past, I discovered a photograph of the atelier before its renovation, featured in an article by Gábor Bazsó in the Műemlékvédelem magazine in 2012.