Restoration underway at REÖK’s historic Green Salon in Szeged
The Green Salon of the Reök Palace in Szeged is currently undergoing restoration as part of a gross 5 million forint project supported by the Municipality of Szeged. The work began in mid-July and is being carried out in accordance with national heritage preservation guidelines.
Details of the project were shared on Wednesday during a press briefing held on-site, where members of the media were invited to view the ongoing work and speak with officials and restoration experts.
Located in the heart of Szeged, the early-20th-century Art Nouveau palace – designed by architect Ede Magyar and completed in 1907 – is home to the Regional Arts Center (REÖK), which is marking its 18th anniversary this year. The Green Salon is the only room in the building where the original ornamental design can be fully restored to its early 1900s condition.
At the event, Deputy Mayor for Urban Policy Dr. József Binszki emphasized the cultural and architectural importance of the building and said REÖK remains a strategically important institution for both the city and the Southern Great Plain region.
Szeged National Theater Director László Barnák highlighted the role of the salon in preserving the palace’s historic aesthetic, calling it “a piece of Szeged’s past” and “a globally recognized jewel of Art Nouveau.”
Ervin Kisterenyei, the painter-restorer leading the project, said he has long-standing professional ties to Szeged through past work at the Móra Ferenc Museum and other local landmarks. He credited earlier researchers Mária Brútyó and Ildikó Jeszeniczky for uncovering the salon’s original decorative elements prior to REÖK’s 2006 opening.
The restoration began with the removal of accumulated grime from the walls, followed by repainting using traditional water-soluble, casein-based paints identical to the original materials. Kisterenyei noted that due to limited local availability, the paint had to be sourced from abroad.
The Green Salon is scheduled to reopen to the public on Aug. 16 with a full day of celebratory programs marking REÖK’s 18th anniversary, including guided tours, light installations, musical performances, and the salon’s ceremonial unveiling.
The restoration does not affect current exhibitions.
Photos: Szilvia Molnar / Szegedify
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