Reök Palace
A whimsical Art Nouveau gem in Szeged, Reök Palace captivates with its water-inspired facade and hosts vibrant art exhibitions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene art viewing
Reök Palace
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene art viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A whimsical Art Nouveau gem in Szeged, Reök Palace captivates with its water-inspired facade and hosts vibrant art exhibitions.
"Stunning architecture! The exhibition costs 1000 HUF. When I was visiting there was no one around so it felt like a private gallery."
Admire the Exterior First
The building's facade is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau. Take time to appreciate the details before entering.
Check Exhibition Schedule
The palace primarily hosts art exhibitions. Verify what's on display to match your interests.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Aquatic-Inspired Facade
Exterior
Marvel at the whimsical Art Nouveau design, featuring water lilies, flowing curves, and aquatic motifs.
Enchanting Interior Staircase
Interior
The heart of the palace's Art Nouveau beauty, this staircase is a visual masterpiece.
Rotating Art Exhibitions
Gallery
Explore diverse modern and fine art displays in a serene, airy exhibition space.
Retro-Style Cafe
Ground Floor
Enjoy a coffee or treat in a charming cafe with a distinct retro ambiance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Art Nouveau Charm
Timing Your Visit for Art & Ambiance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Admire the Exterior First
The building's facade is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau. Take time to appreciate the details before entering.
Check Exhibition Schedule
The palace primarily hosts art exhibitions. Verify what's on display to match your interests.
Interior Staircase is Key
Many visitors highlight the interior staircase as a stunning example of Art Nouveau design.
Cafe for a Break
There's a lovely retro-style cafe inside, perfect for a coffee break.
Tips
from all over the internet
Admire the Exterior First
The building's facade is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau. Take time to appreciate the details before entering.
Check Exhibition Schedule
The palace primarily hosts art exhibitions. Verify what's on display to match your interests.
Interior Staircase is Key
Many visitors highlight the interior staircase as a stunning example of Art Nouveau design.
Cafe for a Break
There's a lovely retro-style cafe inside, perfect for a coffee break.
Limited Historical Info Inside
Don't expect extensive historical details about the palace itself within the exhibition space.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reök Palace is widely praised for its stunning and unique Art Nouveau architecture, particularly its whimsical facade and elegant interior staircase. Visitors appreciate it as a beautiful landmark and a great spot for photography. However, some find the lack of historical information about the building itself inside the exhibition space disappointing, suggesting the entrance fee is best justified by interest in the current art displays.
"Reök Palace is definitely a place worth seeing while wandering around Szeged. Designed by architect Ede Magyar—often referred to as the “Hungarian Gaudí”—the building is one of the city’s most striking landmarks.
If you are tempted to step inside, keep in mind that the palace has been renovated several times, and today only the staircase reflects its former glory. There is no historical information provided inside about the building, its architect, or the Reök family who once lived there. Even the Green Salon is simply a closed room that must be specially requested to view. At present, the palace functions solely as an art exhibition space.
For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend paying the entrance fee unless you are particularly interested in the current exhibitions.
Historical information, however, can easily be found elsewhere. Built between 1906 and 1907, Reök Palace is an outstanding example of Hungarian Art Nouveau (Jugendstil), designed by Ede Magyar. Its façade, decorated with blue water lilies, flowing curves, and aquatic-inspired motifs, reflects the profession of its commissioner, water engineer Iván Reök.
Originally, the upper interior wall zones were decorated with frescoes of mermaids and water nymphs, continuing the aquatic theme. Legend has it that the conservative ladies of the family later had these images scraped off—a charming anecdote that illustrates how tastes (and modesty) can shift even within one household.
Ede Magyar (1877–1912) had a tragically short career, with only about eight years of creative work. He studied in Budapest, traveled throughout Europe, and carried out much of his architectural career in Szeged. Completed in 1907, Reök Palace is his best-known masterpiece, but he also designed the Unger–Mayer House and, in collaboration with Aladár Árkay and József Stahl, the theatre in Kaposvár. Sadly, Magyar’s life ended prematurely in 1912.
Iván Reök, the patron of the palace, was a hydraulic engineer, wealthy landowner, and member of parliament. His profession directly inspired the palace’s water-themed iconography. Reök was related to the renowned painter Mihály Munkácsy (variously described in Hungarian sources as either a cousin or nephew), which highlights the family’s cultural prominence. The horse-head ornaments above the entrance reflect his passion for horse breeding, while the building’s floor plan, with its distinct apartments, accommodated a large, multi-generational urban family."
Christina Moysiadou
"Reök Palace is a must-see gem in Szeged, especially if you appreciate architecture and art."
Ana Ana
"My favourite building in Szeged that forms one of the many art Nouveau buildings on the self walking tour of all the sumptuous buildings in this lovely little city. There is also an art gallery within that is worth a look as it’s an airy and serene exhibition space. The interior staircase is enchanting and really sums up the overall look of art nouveau exterior and interior."
Juliette S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Reök Palace is located in the city center of Szeged, Hungary, making it easily accessible by foot if you're exploring the city. It's a short walk from other major attractions like Dom Square and Votive Church.
Yes, Reök Palace is centrally located in Szeged, so it's well-served by local public transport. Tram lines and bus routes stop nearby, making it convenient to reach from various parts of the city.
Parking in the city center of Szeged can be challenging. There are paid parking lots and street parking available, but it's advisable to check local regulations and availability beforehand.
Absolutely! Reök Palace is a fantastic starting point or a key stop on a walking tour of Szeged, as many other attractions are within close proximity.
From Szeged train station, you can take a local bus or tram towards the city center, or a taxi. The palace is a short ride away and easily walkable from central stops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for the art exhibitions at Reök Palace is typically around 1000 HUF, but it's always best to check the current prices upon arrival or on their official website.
Opening hours can vary depending on the exhibitions and season. It's recommended to check the official Reök Palace website or their social media pages for the most up-to-date information on opening times.
For general entry to exhibitions, booking in advance is usually not necessary, especially on weekdays. However, for special events or if you're visiting during peak times, it might be a good idea.
Yes, the cafe is typically accessible without an exhibition ticket, allowing you to enjoy the ambiance and a refreshment.
While there might not be regular guided tours focused on the building's history, the art exhibitions themselves may sometimes have guided sessions. Inquire at the venue for details.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Reök Palace is renowned for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, particularly its unique facade adorned with water-inspired motifs, and for hosting modern art exhibitions. 
Inside, you'll find rotating exhibitions of modern and fine arts. The interior staircase is also a significant architectural highlight, reflecting the building's Art Nouveau style.
Yes, Reök Palace is highly photogenic, both its exterior facade with intricate details and its elegant interior staircase.
Visitors have noted that there is limited historical information provided inside about the building itself or its architect, Ede Magyar. The focus is primarily on the art exhibitions.
The 'Green Salon' is a specific room within the palace that may require a special request to view, and it's part of the historical interior.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, Reök Palace features a charming retro-style cafe that offers a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy a drink or snack.
The cafe typically serves coffee, pastries, and light refreshments. It's a great place to take a break after exploring the exhibitions or admiring the architecture.
Szeged's city center is brimming with dining options. You'll find numerous restaurants, cafes, and bistros within a short walking distance of Reök Palace, offering various cuisines.
While the cafe offers refreshments, it's more of a coffee shop than a full-service restaurant. For a substantial lunch, exploring the surrounding streets is recommended.
Prices at the cafe are generally considered reasonable for a city center location, offering good value for the ambiance and experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire exterior facade is a photographer's dream, especially the intricate details and water motifs. The interior staircase is also a must-capture shot.
Photography is generally allowed inside for personal use, especially of the architecture. However, it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions related to current exhibitions.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can offer beautiful lighting for the exterior. Midday can be good for capturing the vibrant colors of the facade.
Definitely focus on the blue water lilies, the flowing organic lines, and the aquatic-inspired ornaments on the facade. The detailed balcony work is also noteworthy.
Drone photography is subject to strict regulations in urban areas. It's highly unlikely to be permitted over or near Reök Palace without special authorization.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting the retro-style cafe for a treat, which can be a nice break for younger visitors. Keep in mind that the historical information inside is limited, so focus on the visual aspects and the art on display. It's a great stop for a short, visually engaging experience in Szeged.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the interior staircase, which is a masterpiece of design and a popular subject for photographers. Aim for golden hour for the best exterior lighting, or visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and have more freedom to capture your shots. Be mindful of any specific photography rules within the exhibition spaces.
🏛️ Architecture Buffs
While the interior exhibitions are the primary function now, the original interior staircase is a must-see, showcasing the style's decorative and organic qualities. Appreciate the historical context and the architect's vision in creating such a distinctive building.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel of Reök Palace
+1Magyar's design extended beyond the exterior. The interior was intended to be as captivating as the outside, with original frescoes depicting mermaids and water nymphs adorning the upper walls. While some of these were later removed, the enchanting interior staircase remains a significant highlight, embodying the organic and decorative spirit of Art Nouveau.
Today, Reök Palace primarily functions as an art exhibition space, showcasing modern and fine arts. While it offers a beautiful setting for these exhibitions, visitors seeking in-depth historical information about the building itself might find it limited. Nevertheless, its architectural significance and artistic contributions make it a must-see landmark in Szeged.
Ede Magyar: A Tragic Genius
Reök Palace is widely considered his masterpiece, a building that perfectly encapsulates the Art Nouveau aesthetic with its innovative forms and decorative elements. Magyar's ability to integrate the client's profession and personal interests into the architectural design is evident in the water-themed iconography of Reök Palace. His untimely death at the age of 35 cut short a promising career, leaving behind a legacy of distinctive and beautiful structures.
The Reök Family and Their Influence
Interestingly, Iván Reök was related to the renowned Hungarian painter Mihály Munkácsy, highlighting the family's connection to the arts and culture.
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