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Cifrapalota

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Cifrapalota (Fancy Palace) in Kecskemét is one of the most outstanding masterpieces of Hungarian Art Nouveau architecture. The building was constructed in 1902 based on the designs of Géza Márkus and was originally intended as an apartment building, commercial center, and casino. Its facade is decorated with colorful Zsolnay ceramics, showcasing folk motifs and floral patterns in a unique artistic interpretation. Particularly characteristic are the waving roofline and the asymmetrical design, which are hallmarks of the Hungarian Secession style. The name 'Cifrapalota' originates from a well-known folk song and reflects the locals' admiration for the rich decoration. Inside the palace, the stuccos and mirrors of the ceremonial hall are impressive witnesses to the bourgeois luxury of the turn of the century. Today, the building houses the Kecskemét Gallery, displaying significant fine arts collections, including works by László Mednyánszky. The Cifrapalota is not just a museum but a cultural symbol that defines the cityscape of Kecskemét.

Location: Hungary
Top sights: Ortodox Egyháztörténeti Gyűjtemény (Ikonmúzeum) · Magyar ortodox templom · Szentháromság-templom
Nearby: Lajosmizse (16 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-1	1	6	12	17	21	24	23	18	12	6	0
Rain mm	37	42	39	36	63	74	65	59	56	50	42	43

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

This colorful Secessionist masterpiece in Kecskemét can be admired freely from the outside, while its magnificent interior functions as a fully accessible art gallery and museum for visitors.

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Typical hours

The interior galleries are typically open during standard daytime hours from Tuesday to Sunday, while the spectacular exterior facade with its Zsolnay ceramics can be viewed at any time of day.

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Photography

The intricate floral patterns and colorful ceramics on the exterior provide excellent photography opportunities, especially in morning light. Indoor photography may require specific permission.

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Time needed

Expect to spend about an hour exploring the interior art exhibitions, plus an additional twenty minutes outside admiring and photographing the intricate architectural details of the facade.

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Combine with

A visit easily combines with a walk around Kecskemét's main square, Kossuth Tér, exploring the nearby Co-Cathedral of the Ascension and the beautiful Town Hall building in the city center.

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Getting there

Located in the very heart of Kecskemét, this prominent building is easily reachable on foot from the central train and bus stations, with nearby street parking available for those driving.

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Insider tip

Take time to look closely at the roofline and window frames from across the street to fully appreciate the undulating, folk-art-inspired majolica tiles before heading inside to see the art.

Geography

Coordinates

46.91000, 19.69000

Facts

Built in 1902.
The architect was Géza Márkus.
Its facade decorations are made of Zsolnay majolica.
Home to the Kecskemét Gallery since 1983.
Inspiration for the folk song 'Cifra palota, zöld az ablaka'.
It has a unique, waving majolica roof.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Kecskemét Great Church<1 km · SEExplore →

Kecskemét Zoo2 km · EExplore →

Mercedes-Benz Plant Kecskemét6 km · SEExplore →

Helvécia10 km · SWExplore →

Nagykőrös15 km · NEExplore →

Lajosmizse16 km · NWExplore →

Kerekegyháza16 km · WExplore →

Kiskunság National Park22 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Cifrapalota (10)

Ortodox Egyháztörténeti Gyűjtemény (Ikonmúzeum)🏛 museum

Collection on Orthodox church history with an icon exhibition in Kecskemét.

🕒 Tu-Fr 10:00-16:00; Sa 10:00-12:00

Magyar ortodox templom

Orthodox church in Kecskemét, place of worship for the Hungarian Orthodox community.

Szentháromság-templom

Holy Trinity Church in Kecskemét, a Catholic place of worship.

Nemzetközi Kerámia Stúdió Galériája és Múzeuma 🏛 museum

Gallery and museum of international ceramic art in Kecskemét.

🌐 icshu.org

Evangélikus templom

Lutheran church in Kecskemét, place of worship for the Evangelical community.

Tapscsipogópont

Tourist point in Kecskemét, likely a stamping or information spot.

Ciróka Bábszínház

Puppet theatre in Kecskemét, offering shows for children and adults.

Városháza

City hall of Kecskemét, seat of the municipal administration.

Orvos és Gyógyszerészet-történeti Múzeum🏛 museum

Museum of medical and pharmaceutical history in Kecskemét.

Romkert

Archaeological site in Kecskemét with excavated ruins.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the Cifrapalota open?

Usually from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.

What can you see inside?

It houses the Kecskemét Gallery with significant paintings and temporary exhibitions.

Why is the building called 'Cifra'?

The name means 'ornamented,' referring to the colorful Zsolnay ceramics on the facade.

Is photography allowed inside?

Photography is usually allowed for an additional fee.

How long does the visit take?

Expect about 1 to 1.5 hours for the gallery and the building.

Cifrapalota: where is it located?

Cifrapalota is located in Hungary.

Cifrapalota: what is there to see?

Highlights include Ortodox Egyháztörténeti Gyűjtemény (Ikonmúzeum), Magyar ortodox templom, Szentháromság-templom.

Cifrapalota: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Cifrapalota: why is it worth visiting?

The Cifrapalota (Fancy Palace) in Kecskemét is one of the most outstanding masterpieces of Hungarian Art Nouveau architecture.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Cifrapalota

Best time to visit & climate