The Carl Lutz Memorial in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter pays tribute to one of the most courageous diplomats of the Second World War — Carl Lutz, the Swiss Vice-Consul who saved tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust. Located near the Glass House (Üvegház) on Vadász Street, this moving monument stands as a reminder of how one person’s compassion and bravery can change countless lives.

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Carl Lutz arrived in Budapest in 1942 as the Vice-Consul of Switzerland, representing several neutral countries. When the deportations of Hungarian Jews began in 1944, he used his diplomatic authority to issue protective documents and establish safe houses under Swiss protection. His most famous initiative, the Glass House, provided shelter to thousands of Jews and served as the headquarters for the Swiss diplomatic rescue efforts.

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Through courage, creativity, and moral conviction, Carl Lutz managed to save an estimated 62,000 people from certain death — more than any other individual in Hungary during the war. His remarkable deeds earned him the title of Righteous Among the Nations, bestowed by the State of Israel in recognition of non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust.

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The Carl Lutz Memorial was created by Hungarian sculptor Tamás Szabó and unveiled in 2006. The bronze sculpture depicts a man lifting another person from the ground — a powerful symbol of rescue, humanity, and moral strength. The monument’s simplicity makes it even more impactful, inviting quiet reflection on the choices ordinary people made in extraordinary times.

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Today, visitors can find the Carl Lutz Memorial just steps away from the Glass House Memorial Center, which preserves the memory of those who found refuge there. Together, these sites form an essential part of Budapest’s Holocaust memorial landmarks, alongside the Wallenberg Memorial Park and the Shoes on the Danube Memorial.

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Join our Jewish Quarter Tour to visit the Carl Lutz Memorial and discover the inspiring stories of the people who risked everything to save others during one of history’s darkest times. As you explore the memorials, synagogues, and hidden corners of the Jewish Quarter, our local guides will bring these powerful stories of courage and humanity to life.