Oh, neon-lit Budapest — the story of nights bathed in light, from the workshop to the rooftops
Share
Nostalgia is a dangerous thing: it sometimes sugarcoats aspects of bygone eras that were far from ideal—indeed, this is often how we arrive at the false, “everything was better back then” lament surrounding socialism. But when we pore over images of Budapest’s neon-lit streets, or stumble upon the few orphaned signs that remain, an irresistible retro mood inevitably washes over us. With photos from MTVA’s wonderful collection, we’re reviving the golden age of a profession that has all but vanished. How were the neon tubes made, who installed the advertisements—often at dizzying heights—and which streets were the most colorful by night?
