MÚZSA at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest Takes Home Three Prestigious International Design Awards

MÚZSA at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest took home the awards for Best European Bar, and Hotel Category at the annual Restaurant and Bar Design Awards. As well as winning two awards, MÚZSA was also awarded The Hotel Public Space Design Award at the 2021 SBID awards.

These globally recognised awards are dedicated to the design of food and beverage spaces serving to recognise, reward and celebrate design excellence across a broad range of interior sectors.

MÚZSA – The Muse

A jewel in the heart of Budapest, MÚZSA was unveiled in Fall 2020; Budapest’s first Art Nouveau luxury craft cocktail bar opened its doors within Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace.

With its craft cocktail creations, an exciting blend of Asian and Hungarian cuisines, and elegant yet playful atmosphere, MÚZSA invites guests to discover Budapest’s Golden Era glam. MÚZSA offers an inspired atmosphere to enjoy artful cocktail creations and a diverse mix of live entertainment on its elevated stage.

MÚZSA is the Hungarian word for muse and as the name suggests, the concept of the bar is inspiration and creativity indicative of the Art Nouveau era that once thrived in Budapest. The modern take on Art Nouveau interior motifs reflects and honours the rich heritage of the Gresham Palace, known as one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau buildings in the world.

The Design

Designed by award-winning hospitality design specialists Richmond International, MÚZSA epitomises the evolution of the hotel lobby. An iconic design undertaking of its time by Richmond, the original lobby space at Gresham Palace was a true masterpiece, showcasing grand design and celebrating local craft.

Imbuing the glamour and elegance of Budapest’s Golden Age, MÚZSA introduced a new lobby lounge concept to Four Seasons Gresham Palace, fusing the building’s rich past with the needs of today’s sophisticated clientele. This new offering reflects a bold departure from the historic trend of single use design, in favour of versatility and flexibility. The result is space that is convivial in nature and welcomes social interaction, offering a main reception, private concierge club, multiple meetings rooms, a tasting room and expansive bar areas.

The journey through MÚZSA was considered in meticulous detail, with each moment offering a distinctly different mise-en-scène that surprises and delights. A deep reverence for the heritage of the building sees Richmond adopt a modern, yet sympathetic take on secessionist interior motifs and colour combinations, seamlessly blending past, present, and future to create one timeless experience.

Fiona Thompson, Principal at Richmond International says, “This was a project that was hugely important to the team. When we first saw the Hotel and then completed the restoration more than 16 years ago, we fell in love with the building. We’re really proud to be a part of the evolution of Gresham Palace and to see that it remains such a significant piece of architecture in Budapest today.”

The award-winning design by Richmond International was implemented with the help of local design team Demeter Design Studio.

For more information on MÚZSA, visit muzsa.com or stay up-to-date on MÚZSA’s official Instagram and Facebook channels.

About Richmond International

Since they were established in 1966 Richmond International has designed the interiors of some of the world’s most prestigious hotels in locations all across the globe. With clients ranging from multinational brands to independent owners, Richmond refurbishes, restores and creates award-winning spaces. Some notable clients include The Langham Boston, Rosewood Miramar Beach, Montecito, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, The Langham Chicago, London West Hollywood, The Beaumont Hotel, London and several Four Seasons hotels including Budapest, Amman and Mauritius. Richmond International has been honoured with awards and accolades across the design space but continues to be driven to hotels that embrace design that is authentic, intelligent and inspiring.