Edited by Anna Popper
The Embassy of Switzerland in Hungary, in cooperation with the Municipality of Budapest, the Swiss-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce (Swisscham), and other partners, has launched the “Switzerland in Budapest 2025” initiative.
This year-long cultural and public diplomacy program aims to showcase Switzerland’s historical, cultural, and economic presence in Budapest. Following successful editions in Debrecen, Veszprém, Pécs, and Kecskemét, the Embassy is now focusing on the Hungarian capital, where Swiss entrepreneurs, historical figures, and cultural contributions reflect a shared European heritage and a deep bond between the two countries. The series of public events began in March 2025 with film screenings, as well as artistic, musical, and literary programs. (Article about the March events can be read here: https://press.agency/switzerland-in-budapest-2025-discovering-swiss-footprints-in-the-hungarian-capital/)
Swiss Traces in Budapest – Photo Exhibition at Városháza (City Hall) Park
A central feature of the initiative is an open-air photo exhibition “Swiss Traces in Budapest”, organised in collaboration with the Budapest City Council and installed in Városháza Park.
The outstanding images displayed on 12 panels offer an excellent opportunity to discover Budapest through the lens of Vincent Baumgartner, a Swiss photographer who has lived and worked in the city for several years. From industry and humanitarian legacy to art and economic partnership, “Swiss Traces in Budapest” is a vibrant tribute to the enduring friendship between Switzerland and Hungary.
The exhibition opening started with an address by His Excellency Jean-François Paroz, Ambassador of Switzerland to Hungary:
“Dear Lord Mayor of Budapest, Mr Gergely Karácsony, Dear Mr. President and Mrs. Director of Swisscham, Dear media representatives, Dear Friends of Switzerland, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great pleasure for me to formally open the exhibition “Switzerland in Budapest” in this prestigious location, in front of the City Council.
I would like to sincerely thank you, Mr. Mayor, and your team – particularly your talented graphic designer Dániel Sturm – for the valuable cooperation, without which this exhibition would not have been possible.
Special thanks also go to Swisscham for incorporating this event in the “Swiss Footsteps in Budapest” series, and to Vincent Baumgartner for his fantastic photographs documenting the historical, cultural, and economic traces of Switzerland in Budapest. The exhibition offers us new and perhaps surprising insights. The materials on display show how closely intertwined Switzerland and Budapest have been for centuries.
Already in the 19th century Swiss citizens such as Emile Gerbeaud, Abraham Ganz, Henrik Haggenmacher and Roger Ray came to Hungary in search of a better future and new opportunities.
Many of them made a lasting impact on local communities and the economy – as I saw for myself just a few days ago in Kerepes. The town still proudly remembers Eduard Weber (1843-1935), known in Hungarian as Ede Wéber, a Swiss teacher who came to Hungary in 1870 and became the town’s mayor.
Later, especially during the horrors of World War II, the direction of movement reversed: many Hungarians fled or tried to flee to Switzerland in search of refuge. In 1956, following the brutal suppression of the revolution against Soviet rule, Switzerland welcomed over 12,000 Hungarian refugees.
The exhibition also commemorates Jean-Pierre Pedrazzini (1927–1956), the Swiss journalist (worked for Paris Match), who died from injuries sustained during the Hungarian uprising in 1956. His colleague, the Swiss photojournalist Jack Metzger, was more fortunate – his striking images, such as the release of Cardinal József Mindszenty, remain iconic to this day.
Indeed, here in the heart of Europe, we form a community of destiny. What happens in Budapest matters to Switzerland – and vice versa. And a lot is happening in Hungary and Budapest these days! We appreciate Budapest as a laboratory of pluralistic democracy. Here in the City Council, debates are lively, and decision-making is often complex – clear signs of democratic engagement. Budapest exemplifies a modern, diverse, and welcoming society. The Budapest Pride Parade, to be held again in June, was the first of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe when it launched in 1997.
Budapest is also flourishing economically and remains highly attractive to foreign investors. This is confirmed by representatives of Swisscham, the Swiss-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce, who are present here today on their economic walk, visiting Swiss companies in the city centre. This year, Swisscham celebrates its 30th anniversary – we greatly value our close partnership. Switzerland is now the seventh-largest foreign investor in Hungary, contributing to the creation of 32,000 jobs nationwide.
If you open our interactive map of Swiss traces in Budapest, you can learn more about companies such as Arioso, Alpiq Csepel, Stadler, and Ungaro Swiss, which have their headquarters or shops in this city.
As the President of Swisscham, István Béres once pointed out, the following scenario illustrates Switzerland’s presence in Budapest quite nicely: ‘On a typical working day, Hungarians commuting to work in Budapest might be travelling on a Stadler Rail, sipping a Nespresso coffee and reading Blikk, a newspaper published by the Swiss media company Ringier. They might pass through Kálvin tér (Jean Calvin) or drive along Carl Lutz quay in Pest or along Friedrich Born quay in Buda, both named in honour of Swiss citizens recognized by Yad Vashem as ‘Righteous Among the Nations’. After work, they might buy flowers from the Swiss florist Arioso, pick up a pastry from the Swiss-founded Café Gerbeaud, or chocolate from a Lindt chocolate shop to take home as a token of appreciation for their loved ones. When they feel unwell, they might take one of the latest medications from the Swiss pharmaceutical companies Roche, Novartis, or Sandoz in order to recover quickly. On their Sunday stroll, Budapesters might enjoy crossing the famous Chain Bridge, an icon of Budapest’s architecture which was built using steel produced by Abraham Ganz, a Swiss-born iron manufacturer and industrialist.’
The exhibition you see here is just the tip of the iceberg. It is part of a broader initiative titled “Switzerland in Budapest”. By scanning the QR codes, you can take part in a city rally – and even win a trip to Switzerland.
You can also register for our Carl Lutz Walks, organised in cooperation with our partner Hosszúlépés. These walks honour the memory of Carl Lutz, the Swiss Vice-Consul, who, along with other Swiss and neutral diplomats, as well as local partners and Zionist activists, saved thousands of lives during WWII. In June, we are also organising guided visits to the Glass House in Vadász utca, in partnership with the Carl Lutz Foundation and the Zachor Foundation. And don’t miss our Swiss picnic in the garden of the Embassy on 12 June.
Dear Lord Mayor, thank you once again for your generous support and for hosting our program here in your city.”
“Let us celebrate together the friendship between Switzerland and Budapest!”
Strengthening Ties Through Innovation
A few days earlier Ambassador Paroz joined Mayor Gergely Karácsony and representatives of Budapesti Közművek Nonprofit Zrt. (Budapest Public Utilities Plc.) to sign an agreement on a new geothermal energy project supported by the Swiss-Hungarian Cooperation Programme. After months of visiting similar initiatives in smaller Hungarian towns, the Ambassador emphasized the importance of backing such a major investment in the capital – coinciding with the launch of the “Swiss Traces in Budapest” program.
Remarks by the Mayor of Budapest
In his address, Mayor Gergely Karácsony praised the exhibition and the long-standing connections between the two countries:
“Ambassador Paroz already mentioned the many traces of Switzerland in Budapest. Right here, we see running a tram manufactured by the Ganz factory, founded by Swiss-born Abraham Ganz. Just nearby is the legendary Gerbeaud Café. These historical ties extend all the way to the Holocaust, when Carl Lutz, together with other diplomats, helped save thousands of Jewish lives. Today, we honour their memory with streets and riverfront promenades in Budapest named after them.
Mr. Baumgartner’s photographs provide a unique dual perspective – both from the outside and the inside – which is beautifully captured in this exhibition in the City Hall Park.
I extend my sincere thanks to Swisscham and the Swiss companies operating in Hungary for their partnership. This is not our first joint project, and I hope it won’t be the last. Together, we are strengthening international relations and enhancing Budapest’s global presence.
Switzerland remains a role model – especially in times when democracy is under strain. The country has a deep-rooted tradition of participatory governance, with citizens directly involved in decision-making. At a time when people understandably want more control over decisions that affect their lives, the answer lies in fostering inclusive participation. Switzerland embodies these democratic traditions more deeply than even the UK.”
Swiss Traces in Budapest – A Walking Tour to Discover Swiss Heritage
As part of the opening event, Swisscham Hungary, in cooperation with the Swiss Embassy, organised a special cultural and gastronomic tour in Budapest for its members and media representatives. The idea aimed to highlight the visible and symbolic presence of Switzerland in the Hungarian capital. Participants embarked on a unique tour of iconic locations in Budapest that are closely linked to Switzerland or are Swiss-owned.
The tour began at the Swiss Arioso Café & Brunch on Király Street, where participants had the opportunity for informal conversations.
They then visited the Carl Lutz Memorial on Dob Street in the Jewish Quarter, which honours the Swiss diplomat renowned for his courageous efforts to save thousands of lives during World War II.
The next stop was Ungaro Swiss, a Hungarian–Swiss watch shop that exemplifies Swiss precision and heritage. The two-storey store also houses a Zsolnay boutique with unique and exquisite porcelain pieces from the 172-year-old Zsolnay manufacture in Pécs, which is also Swiss-owned.
The tour continued to the City Hall Park, where Swiss Ambassador Jean-François Paroz and Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony officially opened the “Switzerland in Budapest” outdoor exhibition, highlighting various historical sites in Budapest connected to Swiss individuals or institutions, including a dedicated poster about Swisscham Hungary, which has supported Swiss–Hungarian business cooperation for 30 years.
Following this, guests visited the Lindt boutique on Fashion Street, where they enjoyed the world famous Swiss chocolate delicacies.
Afterward, participants were welcomed to the iconic 167-year-old Gerbeaud confectionery on Vörösmarty Square, founded by Swiss pastry chef Emil Gerbeaud.
The walking tour concluded in the elegant Nespresso Boutique on the prestigious Andrássy Avenue. The event wrapped up with a reception at the Hotel Oktogon Haggenmacher, also on Andrássy Avenue, a beautifully restored neo-Renaissance building with Swiss roots dating back to the 19th century.
At each stop, participants were warmly welcomed by the hosts and introduced to the story behind each venue. It was an enjoyable and insightful experience, thoughtfully organised by the Embassy of Switzerland and Swisscham Hungary, established 30 years ago. This walking tour offered participants a valuable opportunity to rediscover Switzerland’s contributions to Budapest’s economic and cultural life – both historically and in the present day.
The Swiss Embassy and Swisscham Hungary extend their heartfelt thanks to all the partners for their warm hospitality, the delightful surprises, and treats: Arioso – Katja Schläfli, Ungaro Swiss – Bachar Najari, Lindt – Máté Balogh, Gerbeaud – Anna Niszkács, Nespresso – Gábor Flesch and Hotel Oktogon Haggenmacher – Dalma Sas.
A Special Swiss Footprint: Millenáris Park
From Industrial Powerhouse to Cultural Landmark in Buda
Although not part of the walking tour, Millenáris Park on the Buda side of Budapest deserves special mention for honouring the legacy of Ábrahám Ganz.
It once housed the renowned Ganz Works, an industrial complex founded by Swiss-born Ábrahám Ganz in 1844, which played a significant role in Hungary’s industrial development.
The central plant of the Ganz factories has undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, the site is a vibrant cultural and recreational hub with various entertainment venues – including the new building of the National Dance Theatre since 2019.
Officially opened in 2001, Millenáris Park is now one of Budapest’s largest cultural centres, spanning nearly 7 hectares. It skilfully combines repurposed factory halls with contemporary architecture and has two underground parking garages. Expansive green spaces complement the interiors, making Millenáris one of central Buda’s most popular locations for significant events. The park’s seamless blend of open-air and enclosed environments supports a wide range of cultural programs and community gatherings.
Ganz “Whistles”: A Tribute to Steel
Near the waterfall pond in Millenáris Park stands a striking contemporary sculpture composed of large CORTEN steel cylinders – a tribute to the site’s industrial heritage. The cylindrical shapes evoke the steam whistles once used in the Ganz factory. Created in 2002 by sculptor András Bojti, this artwork honours both the legacy of the Ganz Works and the passage of time, symbolized by the rust-hued patina of the weathered steel. Originally used in heavy industry, CORTEN steel has since become a favourite in modern architecture and sculpture. Its rugged, industrial aesthetic makes the installation a powerful emblem for Millenáris – a cultural space reborn from its manufacturing roots.
This sculptural landmark also serves as a Swiss heritage installation, enhancing the park while celebrating Switzerland’s enduring historical ties and significant contributions to Hungary.
English translation of the Hungarian text on the memorial plaque in Millenáris Park:
HERE STOOD THE FORMER GANZ ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING FACTORY COMPLEX
Between 1898 and 2000, the company’s central plant employed several thousand people. For over a century, its products have been a prime example of the achievements of Hungarian engineers and specialists around the world.
In tribute to: Ábrahám Ganz, András Mechwart, Károly Zipernowsky, Kálmán Kandó, Miksa Déri, Ottó Titusz Bláthy, and many others whose creative work has left a lasting legacy.
Erected in 2024 by the factory’s former employees
Sources: Embassy of Switzerland in Budapest, SwissCham Hungary
Photos by the Embassy of Switzerland in Budapest, SwissCham Hungary, millenaris.hu and DPA
