The 20th century was not the age of patrons in Hungary’s architectural heritage — but that era has now come to an end, Prime Minister Orbán Viktor said Monday in Gödöllő. The comprehensive restoration of the Royal Palace of Gödöllő marks a turning point, he said, demonstrating that, much like in the 19th century, “wealthy Hungarians and great Hungarian companies once again stand ready to dedicate their fortunes to national causes.”

The prime minister spoke at the signing ceremony of the support agreement for the full renovation of the Grassalkovich Palace, where the government and OTP Bank each pledged 50 million euros (about 20 billion forints) toward the project — a total of 40 billion forints to restore 17,000 square meters of the historic site.

PM Orbán expressed his gratitude to Csányi Sándor, chairman of OTP Bank and of the Foundation for the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), for his exemplary 20-billion-forint donation to the renovation effort. “By his generosity, Mr. Csányi shows an example of civic responsibility — an attitude our nation has always held in high regard,” the prime minister said.

He added that the government joined the initiative “to match this act of national generosity,” ensuring that the palace receives the financial foundation it needs for complete renewal.

PM Orbán also thanked those who have preserved, maintained, and developed the Grassalkovich Palace over the years. “If we had to start this work from scratch, even 40 billion forints would not be enough,” he noted. “It is only thanks to the dedication of those who carried responsibility for this building — often under heroic circumstances — that today we can begin a new chapter in the life of this magnificent Hungarian landmark.”