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The reconstruction of the Gellért Baths will result in a complete closure of the site. Gellért will therefore only be open to guests until 30 September 2025, after which it will temporarily close its doors on 1 October.
The complete renovation of the Gellért Baths will begin in October, with the planned cost of the investment being 20 billion forints - the Budapest Spa and Thermal Baths (BGYH) Zrt. announced to MTI on Thursday. According to their information, the site, which opened in 1918, last underwent a complete renovation in the 1970s. After fifty years, due to the deteriorated basic infrastructure and the static problems that have arisen, a comprehensive reconstruction, architectural, mechanical and technological modernization are inevitable.
They announced that the Gellért Baths is the company's second most important establishment and that its renovation is one of the largest spa developments nationwide.
The cleaning of thermal water, steam, pools and spaces in accordance with the regulations is a heavy burden on the equipment, tools, all kinds of coverings and metal objects or surfaces, but also on the structure of the building.
According to the BGYH, the preparation of the renovation that is now starting began in 2023. In the meantime, the reconstruction of the Gellért hotel is also ongoing.
First steps of the renovation in 2025 and 2026
This year and next year, the preparatory work is taking place in parallel with the public procurement procedure. Among these, the static reinforcement of the sending machine room in the basement, the utilization of the bath's equipment on the territory of BGYH Zrt., the preservation of the historic parts, and the fine-demolition tasks in the basement, on the cellar level, and in the area of the former day hospital were highlighted.
They emphasized that the primary goal of the renovation is to restore the architectural and artistic values of the iconic Art Nouveau bath in order to preserve the historical heritage. From a sustainability perspective, solutions are needed that enable increased energy efficiency and the modernization of thermal water and heat utilization.
The aim of the reconstruction is also for the renewed Gellért Bath to further strengthen Budapest's reputation in Hungarian and international spa tourism, they emphasized.
Where to go for a bath experience until Gellért Baths remains closed?
But what will happen to the guests of the Gellért bath during the construction period. As spasbudapest.com writes, a significant part of domestic and foreign visitors are expected to choose the nearby Rudas bath, and there will certainly be those who visit the Széchenyi or Lukács bath.
Based on the investment schedule, the construction work of Gellért could begin in the last quarter of 2026, and guests are expected to be able to take possession of the beautified bath again in 2028.
However, it is worth visiting the bath again until September 30, especially for the weekend programs, and taking the Gellért experience with us - they write.
Source: MTI.hu and Spasbudapest.com
