Klebelsberg and the Arts
Portrait of Kuno Klebelsberg at the beginning of the 1900s | Unknown photographer
In 2025, we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Count Kuno Klebelsberg, Minister of Religion and Public Education. The panel exhibition of the Hungarian Academy of Arts is related to this.
As Minister of Culture, Kuno Klebelsberg implemented comprehensive and lasting reforms that fundamentally determined 20th-century Hungarian education and cultural policy. His work imparted knowledge, erudition, a sense of beauty, and stamina to the Hungarian people.
This exhibition presents the interior decoration of the National Archives (Plates 1-2), the central building of the University of Debrecen (Plates 3-4), and the implementation of the Alfréd Hajós National Swimming Pool (Plates 5-6). Klebelsberg played an important role in the design of the Dome Square in Szeged (Plates 7-8) and participated in the organization of cultural events (Plates 9-10). A summary of his oeuvre was presented to visitors at the memorial exhibition held in the Kunsthalle Budapest immediately after his death (Plates 11-12), while the Klebelsberg Country House and Memorial Place functions as an institution, which keeps his memory alive nowadays (Plates 13-14).
Miksa Róth remembered the work of Kuno Klebelsberg as follows:
"He provided the artists with the financial means to create their work, but he himself experienced almost every phase of the creation of the work together with the artists."
Selection of images and texts: István Fekete, Eliza Luca Mákszem, Lili Nagy-Krébesz, Pál Ritoók, Enikő Tóth.
Language editor: Katalin Kolczonay
Project manager: Sidiropoulos Archimedes
Graphics and adaptation: Péter Gajdács, Afrodite Alajbeg.
The photos and reproductions are used under the terms of the institutions' and individuals' indicated separate copyrights, and they originate from the collections of the Hungarian National Museum and the Hungarian Museum of Architecture and Monument Protection Documentation Centre (MÉM MDK).
Murals of the National Archives, 1924–29
From the autumn of 1921, Klebelsberg pushed for the completion of the building as Minister of the Interior (1921–1922) and then as Minister of Religion and Public Education (1922–1931). The interior decoration of the archives was already included in the initial plans, but Kuno Klebelsberg wanted to design it according to a different concept.
In November 1923, the painter Andor Dudits was commissioned to paint the historical murals of the National Archives. Dudits began his work in 1924 in the research room on the first floor, where he completed the five pictures by 1925. Klebelsberg then launched a large-scale program to decorate the palace's public spaces. Dudits, under the direction of the Minister of Culture, painted murals depicting scenes from Hungarian cultural history between 1924 and 1929 in close collaboration with the glassmaker Miksa Róth. The decorative painting covering the remaining wall surfaces and ceiling, executed according to Miksa Róth's plans, and the stained-glass windows made in his workshop harmonized with the murals.
A significant part of the sketches made by Dudits for the interior decoration of the building, as well as the source value photographs recording the state of the completed palace before World War II and the destruction of 1956, are preserved by the Hungarian Museum of Architecture and Monument Protection Documentation Centre.
1. Murals depicting the founding of the National Museum and the inauguration of a village school. In the middle of the latter, the figures of Miklós Horthy and Kuno Klebelsberg | Photographed by Kálmán Szöllősy, 1929, MÉM MDK MDO
2. The end wall of the research room was decorated with a mural entitled Periods of Hungarian History | Photographed by Kálmán Szöllősy, 1929, MÉM MDK MDO
3. Some figures of the mural titled Epochs of Hungarian History. King Leopold I in the front, Saint Ladislaus and Hungarian female saints in the back | Sketch by Andor Dudits, 1924, MÉM MDK MO
4. Side figure of the mural titled King Endre II swears an Oath to the Golden Bull | Sketch by Andor Dudits, 1926, MÉM MDK MO
5. The first-floor lobby. In the background, from left to right, are the murals showing Gábor Bethlen, the founding of Pannonhalma Abbey, the decree of literacy, the guardians of traditions, and the painting depicting Endre's oath. | Photographed by Kálmán Szöllősy, 1929, MÉM MDK MDO
6. The Angel Holding the Hungarian Holy Crown | Sketch by Andor Dudits, 1926, MÉM MDK MO
The University of Debrecen, 1914–32
Based on the decision of the Hungarian Parliament, the University of Debrecen was opened in September 1914 with three faculties, initially in temporary locations. In the same year, in the area of the Nagyerdő Park of Debrecen, the construction of the fourth clinical colony, which housed the Faculty of Medicine, began based on the plans of architect Flóris Korb (1860-1930). Kuno Klebelsberg, who played a decisive role in the later development of the university, said:
"We went out of the city, we came out to the Great Forest..., we built a truly modern university town."
The central building of the Tisza István University was also designed by Flóris Korb. Its co-designer was Kálmán Giergl. The foundation stone was laid on 3 June 1927. Within the framework of the ceremony, Kuno Klebelsberg, Minister of Religion and Public Education, was conferred an honorary doctorate. The opening ceremony of the huge historicist neo-baroque palace was held on 15 May 1932. The guest of honour of the event was Count Kuno Klebelsberg, former Minister of Culture, who played a decisive role in the realisation of the central building. The centre of the main building is the 29-meter-high, 700-square-meter glass-roofed Courtyard. Miksa Róth's workshop played a crucial role in the glasswork and interior decoration of the palace.
The large-scale state construction was photographed almost step by step. This extremely exciting photographic material, along with some of Miksa Róth's glass window designs, is preserved by the Museum Department of the Hungarian Museum of Architecture and Monument Protection Documentation Centre.
1. Kuno Klebelsberg at the construction site of the university | Unknown Photographer, 1929, MÉM MDK MO
2. The main university building under construction | Unknown photographer, photographed on August 28, 1929
3. One of the glass windows of the main building | Design of Miksa Róth, around 1930, MÉM MDK MO
4. Kuno Klebelsberg at the inauguration ceremony of the main building | Photographed by Leo Kozmann, 1932, MÉM MDK MO
5. The Courtyard and the Main Staircase | Photographed by Leo Kozmann, c. 1931, MÉM MDK MO
6. The façade of the completed main building | Photographer Unknown, c. 1932, MÉM MDK MO
The National Swimming Pool, 1930
The Minister of Culture, who was often referred to in the press as the Minister of Sports, was the first to recognize the diplomatic power of sport. His goal was to make Hungary stand out in the region through its cultural and sporting achievements, thereby strengthening its position among European nations. The construction of the indoor swimming pool served to improve the training conditions of swimmers and water polo players, as they could only train in Vienna in winter.
Alfréd Hajós (1887-1955), Hungary's first Olympic champion, won the preliminary tenders, so construction could begin at the beginning of 1930 based on his plans, with modern, brilliant solutions.
"New architecture is a way of expressing the new spirit, and I think it is right that the young generation of Hungarians should also deal with the aspirations of new architecture properly, while respecting national traditions."
Count Kuno Klebelsberg on the new architecture. In: Tér és Forma, 1930, Volume 3, No. 4, p. 161.
The building was made with four different facades: the main entrance welcomes you with a spacious foyer, the back (Óbuda) side has a plastic design and functions as a windbreak; towards the Danube, there is a row of arcades and a sun terrace, while from the island side, a modest front that fits in with the vegetation can be seen. The greyish-brown clinker brick creates a modern and natural effect at the same time.
The National Sports Swimming Pool became a symbol of the era: sport here was not only physical training, but also the scene of social advancement and national rebirth. The collaboration between Hajós and Klebelsberg left us a building that is still an example of how architecture can express the spirit and vision of a nation.
1. Bow-up view of the National Swimming Pool | photographed by Zoltán Seidner, 1930, MÉM MDK MO
2. The interior of the National Sports Swimming Pool on a postcard | MÉM MDK MO
3. Alfréd Hajós in front of the structurally complete building | photographed by Zoltán Seidner, 1929, MÉM MDK MO
4. Kuno Klebelsberg at the inauguration of the National Swimming Pool, 7 December 1930
5. The sun terrace | Photo by Zoltán Seidner, 1930, MÉM MDK MO
6. The main façade of the swimming pool | Photographed by Zoltán Seidner, 1930, MÉM MDK MO
7. Swimmers on the starting block of the National Sports Swimming Pool | Photographed by Zoltán Seidner, 1930, MÉM MDK MO
The building complex of the Dome Square in Szeged, 1929–32
Kuno Klebelsberg made significant efforts to break down the country's Budapest-centricity and to develop the most important cities in the region. The cultural life of Szeged was a matter close to the Minister's heart. His name can be linked to the relocation of the university expelled from Cluj-Napoca after the Treaty of Trianon, as well as the relocation of the civil schoolteacher training school to Szeged, which measures created a real school town from a populous city.
Klebelsberg also intended Szeged to serve as an ecclesiastical centre. The architectural framework for this was provided by the construction of the Votive Church, that is the Dome and its surroundings, where the bishopric's buildings were also located. As Róbert K. Kertész wrote about the building complex in the introduction to the album on the Dome Square, published in 1933:
"The Dome Square of Szeged and its great artistic unity is one of the most perfect emanations of the always active spiritual and intellectual forces of Count Kuno Klebelsberg."
The Hungarian Museum of Architecture and Monument Protection Documentation Centre preserved mostly materials from the building of the Votive Church, built in the Neo-Romanesque style, which were mostly included in the collection from the legacy of the designer, Ernő Foerk, and on the other hand, it is worth highlighting the works of photographer Zoltán Seidner. Their most exciting pieces are the photos from the time of construction, which offer an insight into the building's birth. From the legacy of stained-glass artist Miksa Róth, valuable materials from Szeged were also added to the Museum Collection. Here you can find designs for the interior mosaics and plans of some glass windows.
1. Section of the Votive Church in Szeged | Ernő Foerk's plan, 1927, MÉM MDK MO
2. Stained glass showing the figure of St. Peter | Miksa Róth's design, around 1927, MÉM MDK MO
3. The Dome Square of Szeged on a postcard | Published by Ernő Weinstock, 1936, MÉM MDK MO
4. Works on the apse mosaic of the Votive Church in Szeged | Photographed by Zoltán Seidner, circa 1930, MÉM MDK MO
5. Construction of the Votive Church and the Dome Square in Szeged | Photographed by Zoltán Seidner, circa 1930, MÉM MDK MO
The tireless organizer, 1930–32
The founding document of the Corvin Chain, the Corvin Wreath, and the Corvin Badge of Honor was signed by Governor Miklós Horthy on 11 October 1930, with the countersignature of Kuno Klebelsberg, as Minister of Religion and Public Education.
For his "indelible activities in connection with the establishment of 5000 public school facilities and the location and development of the two universities in the Great Plain", the Minister of Culture himself received the Corvin Chain recognition.
At the same time as the award was founded, a decree was also issued that a body later referred to as the Corvin Order should be established from the recipients of the award, which, on the proposal of the Minister of Culture, would decide by secret ballot on the filling of the vacant places, i.e. among the 12 persons for chainers and among the 60 persons for wreath bearers. On 23 February 1932, Klebelsberg presided over the first banquet of the Corvin Order, and Bálint Hóman presided over the second, as the new Minister of Culture.
The award also indicated that Klebelsberg participated in social events as an unavoidable person and supporter in the cultural affairs of the era, one of the main venues of which was the building of the Pesti Vigadó.
As a key organizer of cultural life, Klebelsberg not only fulfilled his representational duties within the framework of the expectations of the age and participated in brunches and gala lunches organized for diplomats, ambassadors, and scientists, but also organized significant events, receptions and meetings at his home in Pesthidegkút.
"The sacred pen with which Hungarian history is written should only be touched and only by those who deeply love this people, who are great in their sins and mistakes, should touch and have the right to speak painful truths to their nation's face."
Count Kuno Klebelsberg: Come to the Thirties! Athenaeum, Budapest, 1930
1. The ball of the Catholic Society, February 8, 1931, Budapest, Pesti Vigadó. | Photographed by Mór Eiser, private property
2. National Assembly of the St. Emeric Circle in the Pesti Vigadó. Klebelsberg gives a speech. 9 December 1930 | Schäffer Photo Salon and Photojournalism Office, MNM Historical Photo Gallery
3. Andor Hubay-Cebrián (1898-1971), Kuno Klebelsberg, 1935 | Hungarian National Museum, Historical Picture Gallery, Collection of Paintings
4. Prince Chigi Albani, Grand Master of the Order of Malta in Hidegkút. In the foreground of the picture is Archduke Joseph Franz, Countess Kunoné Klebelsberg, Ludovico Chigi della Rovere Albani, Count Jenő Karátsonyi, Count Kuno Klebelsberg, Archduke Joseph, Angelo Rotta, papal nuncio, Count Géza Andrássy | photographed by Oszkár Kallós, 1931, Klebelsberg Library of the University of Szeged
5. Kuno Klebelsberg in the garden of the Hidegkút Country House around 1932 | photographed by Gyula Czvek. MNM Historical Photo Gallery
Memorial exhibition in the Kunsthalle, 1933
After Kuno Klebelsberg's death, the National Hungarian Fine Arts Society organized a memorial exhibition in the building of the Kunsthalle, which was opened by an imposing memorial concert on 11 February 1933. At the concert, Ernő Dohnányi conducted the orchestra of the Budapest Philharmonic Society, and musicians performed works by Antal Molnár, Ferenc Farkas, and Leó Weiner.
In addition to the minister's personal memories, awards and recognitions, the memorial exhibition, which also has cultural historical significance, presented the architectural plans of the cultural institutions established during his operation, the models of the buildings, the objects, and photographs of their interior furnishings. In addition to works illustrating the operation of Collegium Hungaricum abroad, the 15 rooms also exhibited the art treasures that Hungarian public collections could acquire with the extraordinary support of Klebelsberg.
"The great review was not superfluous. Count Kunó Klebelsberg's extraordinary personality, the pervasive power, and value of his work shine with pure light in the halls of the Kunsthalle. It is impossible, writes his successor, Bálint Hóman in the foreword of the catalogue, to walk through this peculiar, original exhibition, which is as unique in the diversity and richness of the material as Kuno Klebelsberg himself was, as rich and unique an individual as he was, in the diversity and richness of the material."
István Genthon, Napkelet, 1933, Issue 3, pp. 196-198
The audience could see the works of young artists who had graduated from the scholarship courses of the Hungarian Academy in Rome and institutes in Vienna, Paris, and Berlin, together with the masterpieces of Vilmos Aba Novák, Károly Ferenczy, Pál C. Molnár, László Paál, Károly Patkó, Alajos Strobl, and István Szőnyi, among others.
At this exhibition, the painter Andor Dudits featured designs and sketches for large frescoes decorating the interiors of the completed public buildings, many of which are preserved in the collection of the Hungarian Museum of Architecture. The Kunsthalle, on the other hand, operates as part of the institutional family of the Hungarian Academy of Arts.
1. Index of the Count Kuno Klebelsberg Memorial Exhibition | Kunsthalle Budapest Library and Archives
2. Klebelsberg Memorial Exhibition in the Kunsthalle, Room 4. | Photo by Gyula Czvek, 1933. MNM Historical Photo Gallery Genthon István Napkelet, 1933, Issue 3, pp. 196-198
3. Bronze statue of Kuno Klebelsberg by Zsigmond Kisfaludi Strobl (1933). The statue, which was inaugurated on 11 June 1933, originally stood in the garden of the College of Physical Education. | Recording by an unknown author. University of Szeged Klebelsberg Library
4. Kuno Klebelsberg Swimming Pool Bronze Medal 1930 | Lajos Berán, 1933
5. Programme of the Count Kuno Klebelsberg Memorial Concert | Kunsthalle Budapest, Library and Archives
His memory to this day
After the unexpected death of Count Kuno Klebelsberg, memorial meetings were held in the spirit of remembrance, societies were formed, public statues were inaugurated, and institutions were named after him. The most important publications, writings, and parliamentary speeches of his political career were published in several volumes.
In addition to all these community efforts, his wife, Countess Klebelsberg née Sarolta Botka, authentically immortalized the figure of the politician and ordinary person through her personal memories in the memoir "Our Life Path".
Their former home in Pesthidegkút, the country house and its well-kept park, dreamed up by Klebelsberg, were renovated after decades of neglection with government support, and have now become accessible to the public as a Memorial Center. In addition to Klebelsberg's former desk, the ever-expanding library, the interactive knowledge base, and a series of events evoke the figure of the great politician within the framework of the Klebelsberg 150 Memorial Year.
... His memory has disappeared – "The ship of oblivion has gone with him, and – perhaps – it will go on for an eternity."
I don't want to put an end to my notes with pessimism, it wouldn't fit my good husband's active, positive nature, and not because I believe in Him myself. I believe in the final triumph of justice and in Arany's excellent verse: "He does not die who spends his rich treasure on millions!"
Szeged cannot forget once and for all that, after Trianon, Klebelsberg visited here, who lovingly stacked the stones on top of each other so that the city would have a Dome Square, a National Pantheon, a Bishopric and a University. It should have clinics, laboratories, schools, a Heroes' Gate, and fish ponds to facilitate its food – and those who remained faithful to it until death."
Excerpt from his memoir Our Life Path | Page 113
1. The Klebelsberg Country House and Memorial House at the opening ceremony following the reconstruction | 2017
2. May 9, 1939, Inauguration of the monument by Jenő Grantner to Klebelsberg on Eskü Square in Budapest | Photographed by Alfréd Puboda by Gr. Kunoné Klebelsberg and Bishop Gyula Glattfelder can be seen.
3. Portrait of Countess Klebelsberg née Sarolta Botka in an oval gold frame | Digital reconstruction based on a photo by Béla Halmi
4. The inner page of "Our Way of Life" with Sarolta Botka's own handwriting | University of Szeged Klebelsberg Library