Celebrate the Final Days of Budapest’s Historic Gellért Baths
Budapest’s legendary Gellért Thermal Baths are hosting a spectacular farewell celebration on September 27-28, 2025, marking the final moments before this Art Nouveau masterpiece closes for an extensive three-year renovation. If you’re visiting Budapest, this exclusive celebration offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience this iconic spa in its historic grandeur while enjoying special performances and exhibitions.
A Historic Farewell Weekend
The Gellért Baths, which have welcomed visitors since 1918, are preparing for their most significant transformation in decades. This farewell celebration represents your last chance to experience the spa’s original atmosphere before it undergoes a complete renovation expected to last until 2028. The weekend festivities combine cultural performances, guided tours, and exclusive exhibitions that showcase the rich history of this beloved Budapest landmark.
September 27 Celebration Program
Morning Events
The celebration begins at 9:00 AM with the opening of “Ministers in Underwear,” a fascinating photo exhibition showcasing famous 20th-century guests who have visited the Gellért Baths. This unique display offers glimpses into the spa’s prestigious past and the notable figures who have enjoyed its therapeutic waters.
Prize-winning guided tours take place at 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 2:30 PM, providing insider stories about the baths’ architecture, healing traditions, and cultural significance. These special tours include opportunities to win commemorative prizes, making them particularly memorable experiences.
Musical Performances
The Gégényi Dániel and Szegedi László guitar duo will enchant visitors with magical melodies poolside at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Their performances create an intimate atmosphere that perfectly complements the spa’s serene environment.
The Rom’Art Orchestra takes center stage at 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, delivering sophisticated performances of classical Roma music and popular film scores. These concerts showcase Hungary’s rich musical heritage within the stunning architectural setting of the baths.
Special Presentation
At 4:00 PM, Angéla Hofecker, project manager from Zsolnay Porcelain Manufactory, presents “Zsolnay and Gellért – A Story Where Art and Experience Unite.” This fascinating talk explores the artistic connection between Hungary’s famous porcelain heritage and the decorative elements that make the Gellért Baths so visually spectacular.
Best deals of Budapest
September 28 Celebration Program
Extended Tour Options
The second day features an expanded schedule of prize-winning guided tours at 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:30 PM. These tours provide multiple opportunities to learn about the baths’ history while having chances to win special mementos.
Musical Entertainment
The Brass Dance ensemble, described as “Wind Musicians in Style,” performs classical and popular hits at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Their elegant performances add sophistication to the farewell festivities while celebrating Hungary’s musical traditions.
Historical Presentation
At 4:00 PM, literature and Budapest historian Noémi Saly presents “Here Comes Aunt Guszti… – Miracles at Gellért Baths.” This engaging talk reveals fascinating stories and lesser-known facts about the spa’s century-long history, offering visitors deeper insight into what makes this place so special.
Important Booking Information
Tour Reservations
Guided tour spaces are limited and require advance registration through the Gellért Baths website at gellertfurdo.hu/elerhetoseg. Early booking is essential as these special farewell tours are expected to be extremely popular.
Presentation Tickets
The historical presentations require separate registration at jegyek.gellertfurdo.hu. These informative sessions provide valuable context about the baths’ cultural significance and architectural importance.
Why This Celebration Matters
This farewell weekend represents the end of an era for one of Budapest’s most beloved attractions. The Gellért Baths have been an integral part of the city’s thermal spa culture for over a century, welcoming approximately 420,000 visitors annually. The upcoming renovation, costing nearly 20 billion Hungarian forints, will modernize the facility while preserving its historic character.
For tourists visiting Budapest, this celebration offers an unprecedented opportunity to experience the Gellért Baths with special programming that won’t be available again. The combination of cultural performances, historical presentations, and exclusive tours creates a memorable finale to the spa’s current chapter.
The weekend celebration perfectly captures the essence of Budapest’s spa culture, combining relaxation with cultural enrichment in settings of extraordinary beauty. Whether you’re interested in the architectural significance, musical performances, or simply want to soak in the therapeutic waters one last time before the renovation, this farewell celebration provides an unforgettable Budapest experience.
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