Stair-Well And Balustrade In Szeged, Hungary.

Text and Illustration: TUMBLR/BUDAPEST BUG

It is indeed a rare treasure that the City of Szeged, Hungary, owns. This family mansion that has been standing in the heart of the City for a Century – resisting wars and changes of regime – is of outstanding, special value, even in European terms.

Its builder, Ede Magyar, who died prematurely at the age of thirty-five, was determined, brave and talented enough to defy the conservative Hungarian climate, and connect his hometown to Europe. 

He brought to Szeged, a European development that not only saturated the architecture of the time with its innovative ideas, but also initiated a new approach in other art forms. 

Although Hungarian architecture at that time already reflected some elements of the new approaches and endeavours, Magyar’s youthful and dedicated energy, and his European experience, was necessary for the construction of this unique building in Szeged, which seemed bold and surprising, even to the followers of Art Nouveau.