One of Hungary's - and perhaps Central Europe's - most unusual cultural "secrets" may soon be revealed to the public, with news that a 1,000 square meter Romanesque hall in Budapest's Fine Arts Museum closed since World War II could be reopened in the coming years.

According to hg.hu, museum director László Baán says there is a real chance that renovation of the Román csarnok can start in 2014, but only if during the next budget cycle of the European Union - between 2014 and 2020 - Budapest can apply for funding for such a project.

The next phase of developments planned at the museum would not only include the renovation of the Romanesque hall but also a replacement of machinery in the building - expected to save 50% in energy costs - and the reconstruction of the roof structure, as well as other similar projects. The total costs are estimated at Ft 16.8 billion (€61.4 million) of which Ft 3 billion would have to be spent on the Romanesque hall.

Baán added the museum is currently receiving an annual Ft 1 billion from the state which is sufficient for maintaining the building and paying wages. The director also said the museum was currently working on protecting its development plans in light of a recent cancellation of its underground expansion. During the previous government, there had been plans to expand the establishment at a cost of between Ft 4.5-5 billion.

In the past, the Romanesque hall could be accessed through two doors from the museum's main lobby which are now walled in. There are two reasons why it has remain untouched since WWII. The first is the hall's decorative painting which would make its renovation the most expensive. The same decorations also make the room unsuitable for holding temporary exhibitions, which means finding a purpose for it is difficult. Its original purpose, displaying plaster replicas of famous sculptures, would not attract many visitors today.

Source: Caboodle/Hungary [March 18, 2011]