The apartment house of the Hungarian Royal University Fund (Magyar Királyi Tudományegyetemi Alap bérháza), located at Semmelweis utca 2, stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of Győző Czigler. Completed in 1895, this edifice is one of many iconic creations by Czigler, a prolific architect whose life, though brief (born in Arad in 1850, he passed away in Budapest in 1905), left an indelible mark on the cityscape. Semmelweis utca is a small street packed with amazing historical buildings such as Semmelweis utca 4.

Among Czigler’s most noteworthy achievements are the Saxlehner palace on Andrássy út, the main building of the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, and the Gozsdu-udvar (Gozsdu Courtyard). His influence extends to various churches and covered markets in Budapest, including those on Hunyadi tér and Hold utca. Győző Czigler worked on the Széchenyi Bath, contributing to its design, but unfortunately, he passed away before its completion.

In 1909, the renowned photographer Mór Erdélyi established a photography studio in the attic of this historic house. Originating his first studio in 1891, Erdélyi swiftly gained acclaim for his portraiture. Bestowed with the title of “imperial and royal court photographer” in 1894, he immortalized members of the royal family, alongside capturing portraits of influential politicians and artists of his era. His achievements culminated in a gold medal at the 1900 Paris World Exhibition, and his photographs found widespread publication in numerous newspapers.

Erdélyi Mór’s lens also turned to the architectural wonders of Budapest, with hundreds of images capturing the city’s buildings. For enthusiasts of the city’s history and architecture, exploring these photographs is highly recommended. Many of them are accessible on Wikipedia Commons.