Debrecen4U
December 1, 2025
Experience‑Based, Family‑Friendly, Future‑Oriented Transport Museum Rising in Debrecen
The Ministry of Construction and Transport has announced the results of the architectural design competition for the Hungarian Transport Museum building in Debrecen.
As recalled, last May Minister János Lázár revealed on Debrecen Television’s Public Affairs Extra program that the new Transport Museum would be built in Debrecen, near the BMW plant. Following this, the ministry organized an ideas competition that attracted 18 entries. The jury selected the design of Archiko Kft. as the winner, while eight additional submissions received awards. After reviewing the submissions, the ministry launched a full architectural design competition this summer for the Debrecen project, the results of which have now been made public. The new winning proposal envisions a completely different building compared to the sailboat‑shaped design that triumphed in the earlier ideas competition.
The grand prize of HUF 25 million was awarded to DAW Építész Stúdió Kft. The second prize, worth HUF 20 million, went to the joint entry of Archiko Kft., GAV‑ART Stúdió Kft., and T1 Studio Kft. The third prize of HUF 15 million was given to the collaborative design of FINTA Stúdió Kft. and Zaha Hadid Architects. In addition, based on the jury’s recommendation, the ministry will purchase the entries of three further firms: BORD Építész Stúdió Kft., Tecton Kft., and Napur Architect Kft.
The ministry is seeking architectural proposals for a building or complex that is forward‑looking, provides an inspiring backdrop for innovation, and fully meets the required functions and evaluation criteria at the highest level. At the award ceremony, National Chief Architect and State Secretary for Architecture, Regő Lánszki—who also chaired the jury—emphasized that the creation of the new Transport Museum reflects a vision that finally regards the country as a whole: not as a divide between center and countryside, but as a network of interconnected cities.
“The awarded concept promises a building that is both modern and restrained, characteristic but not ostentatious. With its airy appearance, it cleverly conveys its function. It is a new symbol that blends into the landscape yet remains recognizable from afar, naturally connecting tradition and innovation. This building will not only be a museum but also the first visible sign of a new kind of national thinking,” he emphasized.
Mayor László Papp emphasized that today’s award ceremony marks a new chapter in Debrecen’s future and represents the next milestone in a significant era of urban development. “Such a Transport Museum is not only a great opportunity but also a great responsibility. We can confidently assure everyone that it will be built in the best possible location—in the heart of the Carpathian Basin—and we will nurture this project with the care of a good farmer,” the mayor said.
Domonkos Schneller, Director General of the Hungarian Museum of Science and Transport, emphasized that the design competition marks a major step forward from the earlier ideas competition, moving from visions to solutions closer to feasibility in terms of form, function, and museum expertise. The goal is to establish an experience‑based, guest‑friendly museum that doubles as a multigenerational community hub and cultural venue for innovation and technology events, showcasing both past and future developments.
In its entry, DAW Építész Stúdió Kft. proposed dividing the site into three zones: two external areas and an internal world with the building and atrium. The western side will serve as the arrival and parking area, directly linked to the BMW bypass, with facilities for cars and buses leading into an inner oasis. He concluded that once these elements are in place, the final task will be to create a building worthy of hosting such a comprehensive exhibition.
Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu
