Volt Képviselőház, better known as the Former House of Representatives, sits quietly among the architectural gems of Budapest. Unlike its showier neighbor, the Parliament building, the Former House of Representatives isn’t swamped by tourists every hour of the day, which gives you a rare chance to really soak up the history and atmosphere. If you like your travel with a dash of political intrigue, or simply appreciate a stunning piece of late–19th-century design, this is a stop you’ll want on your itinerary.
The story of the Former House of Representatives begins with a very Hungarian desire for autonomy and representation. After the 1867 Austro-Hungarian Compromise (the famous Kiegyezés), Hungary finally had legal grounds for its own legislative assembly. To accommodate the legislative body, the House of Representatives needed somewhere worthy of its newfound significance. Enter Alajos Hauszmann, a prolific architect of late–19th-century Hungary, who drew up the plans for a building designed to be both functional and representative—a seat of government, but also a proud symbol of a burgeoning nation. Construction wrapped up in 1896, just in time to commemorate a millennium of the Hungarian state.
Standing just across from the magnificent Parliament building, the Former House immediately distinguishes itself with its more intimate style and warmer feel. Whereas the Houses of Parliament dazzle with scale and grandeur, this smaller political sibling impresses with details. The exterior hints at Italian Renaissance influence, which persists inside with elaborate staircases, stained glass windows, and frescoes overhead. The chamber itself—a beautiful ring of wood, leather benches, and galleries—was the setting for debates that shaped the destiny of the country, from land reforms to early 20th-century political drama. You can almost imagine the murmur of voices, the percussive thumps of gavels, and the weight of legislative decisions looming overhead.
One of the most fascinating aspects about the Former House of Representatives is how its walls preserve the shifting moods of Hungary’s political life. Following the end of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, Hungary’s changing governments have all left their traces on the building. It was here that the fledgling democracy came alive in the short-lived First Hungarian Republic, before giving way to regency, war, and upheaval. When the unicameral National Assembly was established in 1945, the building lost its original purpose. Today, it isn’t the scene of daily political drama, but rather hosts concerts, lectures, and sometimes government functions—a living monument adapting to new roles, much as Hungary itself has done.
Visiting the Former House is a rewarding experience for more than just history buffs. The building is still a standing work of art, and there’s something dramatically cinematic about walking its echoing halls, beneath painted ceilings and alongside dark-wood balustrades. You might find your mind wandering to the arguments and alliances formed within its walls, the whispers of revolution, and the hopes pinned to fledgling democratic processes. Plus, you get a sense of stepping behind the curtain—this isn’t the place everyone visits, meaning you’re treated to a slice of Budapest’s heritage that still feels a bit secret.
Guided tours often highlight not only political milestones but the artistry that defines the space. The stained glass windows by Róth Miksa, a celebrated Hungarian artisan, fill the rooms with jewel-like light—reminders that even legislative buildings can be spaces of beauty and inspiration. For photographers, architecture fans, or lovers of untold stories, the Former House of Representatives provides a canvas that’s both familiar and full of surprises. In a city packed with world-famous sites, it’s these quieter corners, like Volt Képviselőház, that give your Budapest adventure its sense of depth and discovery.
