Hírös Agóra Youth Centre (Former Craftsmen's Association Hall)
In 1903, Kecskemét's community of craftsmen decided to build a spacious new headquarters after a devastating fire destroyed the roof of their former association building. The architectural tender announced in 1904 was won by Marcell Komor and Dezső Jakab, the celebrated architects behind such masterpieces as Subotica City Hall and the Palace of Culture in Târgu Mureș.
Completed in 1907, the new Craftsmen's Association Hall became one of Kecskemét's finest examples of Hungarian Art Nouveau. Its striking appearance is characterised by an asymmetrical composition, flowing curved façades, organically shaped windows and doorways, colourful ceramic ornamentation, and elegant wrought-iron balconies and window grilles. The building originally bore the inscription "IPAROS OTTHON" ("Craftsmen's Association Hall") on its main façade. The beautiful interior and exterior glass mosaics were created by Manó and Miksa Róth, among Hungary's most distinguished mosaic artists.
The ground-floor café opened in October 1907, while the first floor featured an elegant ballroom adorned with magnificent glass mosaics. A cinema was not part of the original design; it was added in 1937 and has since become one of Hungary's most beautiful art cinemas.
Throughout the 20th century, the building survived numerous hardships, including the 1911 Kecskemét earthquake, two world wars, military occupations and changing functions. Following a major restoration in 1982–1983, it has continued—under various names and organisational structures—to serve as one of Kecskemét's leading cultural and community centres for young people.
Services:
Children's and youth cultural programmes
Event and conference venue
Otthon Café
Otthon Art Cinema
Completed in 1907, the new Craftsmen's Association Hall became one of Kecskemét's finest examples of Hungarian Art Nouveau. Its striking appearance is characterised by an asymmetrical composition, flowing curved façades, organically shaped windows and doorways, colourful ceramic ornamentation, and elegant wrought-iron balconies and window grilles. The building originally bore the inscription "IPAROS OTTHON" ("Craftsmen's Association Hall") on its main façade. The beautiful interior and exterior glass mosaics were created by Manó and Miksa Róth, among Hungary's most distinguished mosaic artists.
The ground-floor café opened in October 1907, while the first floor featured an elegant ballroom adorned with magnificent glass mosaics. A cinema was not part of the original design; it was added in 1937 and has since become one of Hungary's most beautiful art cinemas.
Throughout the 20th century, the building survived numerous hardships, including the 1911 Kecskemét earthquake, two world wars, military occupations and changing functions. Following a major restoration in 1982–1983, it has continued—under various names and organisational structures—to serve as one of Kecskemét's leading cultural and community centres for young people.
Services:
Children's and youth cultural programmes
Event and conference venue
Otthon Café
Otthon Art Cinema
- Address
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6000 Kecskemét Kossuth tér 4. Route planner
- Angol
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Address: 6000 Kecskemét, Kossuth tér 4.
- Phone
- Website
