Cifrapalota (Ornamented Palace)

Immortalised in a well-known Hungarian children's song, the Cifrapalota (Ornamented Palace) is one of the finest and most enchanting examples of Hungarian Art Nouveau architecture.
Designed by Géza Márkus, the building reflects the "modern yet distinctly Hungarian" style pioneered by Ödön Lechner. Even in this early work, Márkus expanded on Lechner's vision by incorporating international influences, particularly those of the Vienna Secession.
The richly decorated façade features colourful Zsolnay majolica tiles, glazed roof tiles, pyrogranite ornaments and ornate chimneys, all produced by the famous Zsolnay Manufactory in Pécs. These distinctive ceramic details give the palace its unique character and vibrant appearance.
Originally built as an apartment house, the Cifrapalota has served various purposes over the years. Today it is one of the exhibition venues of the Kecskemét Katona József Museum.
The museum houses one of Hungary's most important regional art collections, with a particular focus on 19th- and 20th-century Hungarian fine and applied arts, as well as contemporary works. Highlights include paintings by renowned Hungarian artists such as Adolf Fényes, Károly Ferenczy, Béla Czóbel, József Rippl-Rónai, Lajos Gulácsy, László Mednyánszky, Béla Iványi-Grünwald—founder and leading figure of the Kecskemét Artists' Colony—and Menyhért Tóth.
In addition to its temporary exhibitions, the Cifrapalota is home to the museum's permanent exhibitions on local history, archaeology and ethnography. One of its greatest treasures is the famous Kunbábony Avar Treasure, a spectacular hoard comprising 155 gold artefacts from the Avar period.
The palace's magnificent Peacock Hall, renowned for its striking Art Nouveau decoration, serves as a venue for conferences, lectures and other cultural events.
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