At Szabadság tér 16, in the heart of Budapest, stands the magnificent Adria Palace a neo-Baroque masterpiece built between 1900 and 1902 as the headquarters of the Adria Hungarian Royal Sea Navigation Company. Designed by renowned architect Artúr Meinig, the building reflects Hungary’s early 20th-century maritime ambitions, with a richly decorated façade featuring anchors, ship bows, and nautical motifs.

After World War I, when Hungary lost access to the sea, the building’s original purpose faded. In the following decades, it became known as the Express House, named after the travel agency that once operated there. Despite years of limited use, the interior remained remarkably intact marble staircases, ornate doors, and a grand courtyard preserved its original charm. This atmosphere attracted international film productions, with scenes from Blade Runner 2049, Red Sparrow, and Die Hard 5 shot inside.

Since 2020, the palace has been undergoing careful restoration. Its iconic domes have been rebuilt based on archival photos, and the building is being repurposed to host shops, office spaces, and a boutique hotel. Adria Palace is once again claiming its place as one of Budapest’s most elegant architectural landmarks.