Európai műemlékvédelmi tendenciák, különös tekintettel a Kárpát-medencére VII., Fehérvárcsurgó, 2024
The current European heritage preservation trends with focus on the Carpathian Basin VII., Fehérvárcsurgó, 2024
Contributor(s): Endre Raffay (Editor), Anna Tüskés (Editor)
Subject(s): Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture, Visual Arts, History of Art
Published by: Pécsi Tudományegyetem Művészeti Kar Művészettörténet Tanszék
Keywords: heritage preservation; monument protection; Carpathian Basin; cultural heritage; restoration; historical architecture; castle reconstruction; medieval churches; landscape conservation; architectural history
Summary/Abstract: The volume examines contemporary challenges and methodologies in European heritage preservation, with a special emphasis on the cultural landscapes and monuments of the Carpathian Basin. The editors highlight the growing threats posed by irresponsible restoration practices, historical falsification, and the neglect of authenticity in cultural heritage conservation. The publication is organized into five thematic sections covering monument topography, church restoration, castle reconstruction, industrial heritage, and innovative interdisciplinary approaches to conservation. Several studies focus on the restoration of medieval churches, castles, and historical urban landscapes in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, and surrounding regions. The book also explores how archaeology, architectural history, landscape design, and conservation science cooperate in preserving endangered monuments. One important theme is the balance between historical authenticity and modern reuse, especially in the revitalization of castles and public heritage sites. The conference proceedings demonstrate the importance of documentation, archival research, and visual representation in understanding and restoring historical structures. The volume additionally discusses broader cultural and legal perspectives, including constitutional heritage protection and the relationship between contemporary culture and monument preservation. Overall, the book provides a comprehensive overview of current monument protection trends in Central and Eastern Europe and emphasizes the need for responsible preservation of cultural heritage for future generations.
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-963-626-486-4
- Page Count: 288
- Publication Year: 2025
- Language: English, Hungarian
Az aracsi templomrom XIX. századi ábrázolásainak leíró katalógusa
Az aracsi templomrom XIX. századi ábrázolásainak leíró katalógusa
(Descriptive Catalog of 19th-Century Depictions of the Aracs Church Ruin)
- Author(s):Endre Raffay
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture, Visual Arts
- Page Range:15-57
- No. of Pages:43
- Keywords:Arača church ruins; monument preservation; nineteenth-century illustrations; architectural history; heritage documentation; medieval church; engravings; Henszlmann Imre; Adolf van der Venne; historical reconstruction
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines the nineteenth-century visual representations of the ruins of the Arača church and provides a descriptive catalogue of these historical depictions. The article forms part of a broader scientific documentation project concerning the preservation and interpretation of the medieval monument. Raffay analyzes early illustrations, engravings, and sketches published between 1856 and 1871, including works by Hertelendy József, Adolf van der Venne, Henszlmann Imre, and Doby Jenő. The author evaluates the accuracy and reliability of each image by comparing them with surviving architectural remains and later photographs. A central theme of the study is the relationship between artistic interpretation and architectural documentation in the nineteenth century. Raffay demonstrates that some drawings contain inaccuracies caused by perspective problems, memory-based reconstruction, or limited architectural knowledge, while others preserve valuable details that no longer exist today. The paper carefully reconstructs how the ruined church appeared before modern restoration interventions and before several structural collapses occurred. Special attention is given to architectural elements such as arches, pillars, vaults, apses, windows, and decorative stone carvings visible in the illustrations. The study also highlights the importance of these visual sources for theoretical reconstruction and heritage preservation research, especially when physical remains have disappeared. Overall, the article contributes significantly to the understanding of the Arača church ruins and emphasizes the documentary value of nineteenth-century artistic representations in monument protection studies.
A műemléki topográfia múltja és jelene a Kárpát-medence nyugati peremén
A műemléki topográfia múltja és jelene a Kárpát-medence nyugati peremén
(Past and present of the topography of historic monuments in the western part of the Carpathian Basin)
- Author(s):Béla Zsolt Szakács
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture
- Page Range:59-72
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:monument protection; monument topography; Burgenland; cultural heritage; historical Hungary; heritage database; architectural history; Teleki László Foundation; Austrian monument registers; Carpathian Basin
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines the history and current state of monument topography in the western region of the Carpathian Basin, especially in Burgenland. The paper was inspired by the Teleki László Foundation’s 2024 initiative to create a unified database of Hungarian-related monuments outside Hungary’s present borders. The author reviews the development of monument documentation in Hungary from the nineteenth century onward, highlighting the contributions of scholars such as Arnold Ipolyi, Imre Henszlmann, and Péter Gerecze. The article explains how systematic monument surveys began with the establishment of national heritage institutions and gradually expanded to include the territories of historical Hungary. Special attention is given to Austrian monument topography projects after the creation of Burgenland in the twentieth century. Szakács compares Hungarian and Austrian cataloguing systems and points out the strengths and shortcomings of the current Austrian monument registers. The study argues that the planned Hungarian database will provide more precise historical, geographical, and architectural information than existing public Austrian records. Several case studies are presented, including churches, castles, memorials, archaeological sites, and Art Nouveau villas that deserve greater recognition or protection. The author also emphasizes the importance of including destroyed or neglected monuments in cultural heritage databases because they remain essential parts of historical memory. Overall, the paper highlights the need for comprehensive, multilingual, and historically sensitive monument documentation to preserve the shared cultural heritage of the peoples living in the Carpathian Basin.
Kisdörgicse XII–XIII. századi, román kori plébániatemploma Pusztatemplomi dűlő. Állagmegóvás, tömegrekonstrukció
Kisdörgicse XII–XIII. századi, román kori plébániatemploma Pusztatemplomi dűlő. Állagmegóvás, tömegrekonstrukció
(The Romanesque Parish Church of Kisdörgicse, 12th–13th Century: Conservation and Mass Reconstruction)
- Author(s):Kinga Garaguly
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture
- Page Range:73-92
- No. of Pages:20
- Keywords:Romanesque church; heritage conservation; Kisdörgicse; Balaton Uplands; medieval architecture; ruin restoration; monument protection; architectural reconstruction; cultural heritage; archaeological preservation
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines the restoration and conservation of the Romanesque parish church ruin of Kisdörgicse in the Balaton Uplands, one of Hungary’s richest medieval heritage regions. The article presents the historical background of Dörgicse, a settlement that once contained five medieval stone churches because of fragmented landownership in the Middle Ages. Special attention is given to the neglected Kisdörgicse church ruin, which had long suffered from decay, vandalism, and insufficient maintenance. The author describes earlier archaeological excavations and conservation works carried out in the 1950s and 1960s under architect Tibor Koppány. Although these interventions stabilized the structure temporarily, the use of cement-based mortars later accelerated the deterioration of the original stone walls. By the early twenty-first century, the ruin had become structurally dangerous, with collapsing walls and severe moisture damage. The restoration project launched in 2022 aimed not at complete reconstruction, but at preserving the authenticity and long-term stability of the monument. The design concept included rebuilding only those architectural elements necessary for structural protection, such as selected wall sections and a protective roof, while avoiding speculative reconstructions without historical evidence. The project carefully distinguished new masonry from the medieval fabric, ensuring that the intervention remained visually identifiable yet harmonious with the original structure. Overall, the study presents the Kisdörgicse restoration as a balanced example of modern heritage conservation that respects historical authenticity while securing the future survival of the monument.
A Tiszántúli Református Egyházkerület területén lévő középkori eredetű templomokon az elmúlt években végzett műemlékvédelmi helyreállítások eredményei
A Tiszántúli Református Egyházkerület területén lévő középkori eredetű templomokon az elmúlt években végzett műemlékvédelmi helyreállítások eredményei
(Results of the Restorations of Historical Monuments Carried Out in Recent Years on Medieval Churches in the Area of the Transtibiscan Reformed Church District)
- Author(s):Zsolt Virányi
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Architecture, Visual Arts, Library operations and management, History of Art
- Page Range:93-112
- No. of Pages:20
- Keywords:medieval churches; heritage conservation; Upper Tisza region; Reformed Church; monument restoration; cultural tourism; Gothic architecture; fresco restoration; sustainable tourism; architectural heritage
- Summary/Abstract:The study presents recent monument conservation and restoration projects carried out on medieval churches in the Upper Tisza region of northeastern Hungary. It highlights the cultural and historical importance of the Transtibiscan Reformed Church District, which preserves a remarkable concentration of medieval ecclesiastical heritage. The article explains how the “Route of Medieval Churches” became an important cultural tourism initiative and received international recognition through the EDEN Award. Several churches, including those in Csaroda, Sonkád, Gyügye, Beregsurány, Kölcse, Tarpa, and Vámosatya, are discussed as outstanding examples of successful restoration projects. The restorations focused on preserving authentic medieval architectural elements, frescoes, wooden ceilings, Gothic portals, and historic furnishings. Archaeological research and architectural investigations played a crucial role in reconstructing lost structural elements and understanding earlier building phases. The study also emphasizes the importance of distinguishing new additions from original medieval fabric while maintaining visual harmony. In addition to conservation work, the region has invested in visitor centres, cycling tourism infrastructure, accommodation development, and educational heritage programs. These initiatives aim to connect monument preservation with sustainable tourism and local community development. Overall, the article demonstrates how careful restoration and tourism planning can protect fragile cultural heritage while revitalizing the Upper Tisza region economically and culturally.
A sárospataki lőportorony és Rákóczi-pince környezetének tájépítészeti helyreállítása
A sárospataki lőportorony és Rákóczi-pince környezetének tájépítészeti helyreállítása
(Landscape architectural restoration of the surroundings of the Sárospatak powder tower and Rákóczi cellar)
- Author(s):Ágnes Bechtold, Zsuzsa Gerákné Árvai
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture, History of Art
- Page Range:113-125
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:landscape restoration; Sárospatak Castle; powder tower; heritage conservation; archaeological excavation; defensive architecture; cultural tourism; castle restoration; historic landscape; urban heritage
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines the landscape architectural restoration of the powder tower and the surrounding area of the Rákóczi cellar in the Sárospatak Castle complex. It was carried out within the framework of the National Castle Program and aimed to strengthen the touristic and cultural value of the historic fortress. The article presents the historical development of the western defensive system of the castle, including the Perényi Bastion, the Oroszlán Bastion, and the powder tower. Archaeological excavations and wall investigations revealed that the original ground level of the powder tower had been buried under approximately one and a half meters of fill material. Based on these findings, the restoration focused on reconstructing the original terrain levels and visually reconnecting the monument with the former cannon hill and defensive structures. The project included the creation of pedestrian paths, stairs, retaining walls, fences, and landscape elements designed in harmony with the historic environment. Special attention was given to preserving archaeological remains and ensuring that new interventions remained reversible and visually compatible with the monument. The restored area also received visitor-oriented features such as seating areas, temporary stage infrastructure, bicycle storage, and planned information systems connected to the exhibition inside the powder tower. Financial limitations prevented the complete realization of the broader concept, including the full restoration of the western city wall and the planned promenade along the fortifications. The study concludes that the restoration successfully revived an overlooked historical structure while creating a coherent and accessible cultural landscape for visitors and the local community.
A kisvárdai vár helyreállítása
A kisvárdai vár helyreállítása
(The Restoration of Kisvárda Castle)
- Author(s):Zoltán Wittinger
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture
- Page Range:127-146
- No. of Pages:20
- Keywords:castle restoration; heritage conservation; Kisvárda Castle; archaeological research; medieval architecture; cultural tourism; contemporary architecture; monument preservation; landscape restoration; exhibition space
- Summary/Abstract:The study presents the restoration project of Kisvárda Castle, which began in 2016 within the framework of the National Castles and Fortresses Program. The project aims to preserve the medieval ruin while also transforming it into a modern cultural and exhibition space. Kisvárda Castle was originally built in the late 15th century by the Várdai family in a late Gothic and Renaissance style. Over the centuries, the fortress was expanded, modified, and eventually heavily damaged, with many of its stones reused in later constructions. Archaeological excavations and historical research carried out between 2017 and 2021 revealed important details about the castle’s original layout and defensive system. The restoration project deliberately avoids a complete historical reconstruction because too little authentic architectural information has survived. Instead, the designers chose a combination of traditional monument conservation and contemporary architectural additions. The preserved ruins, especially the surviving tower and walls, are treated as the central attraction of the site and will be carefully protected and restored. New minimalist exhibition buildings are being constructed along the original historical contours in order to reflect the former castle structure without imitating it directly. The project also includes landscape restoration and the creation of public cultural spaces, making the castle both a protected heritage monument and a modern community venue.
A Debreceni Csokonai Nemzeti Színház épületének rekonstrukciója 2018, 2020-2023
A Debreceni Csokonai Nemzeti Színház épületének rekonstrukciója 2018, 2020-2023
(The reconstruction of The Csokonai National Theatre in Debrecen 2018, 2020-2023)
- Author(s):Csaba Gajdos
- Language:English, Hungarian
- Subject(s):Theatre, Dance, Performing Arts, Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture
- Page Range:147-162
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:theatre reconstruction; heritage preservation; Csokonai National Theatre; Debrecen; architectural restoration; historic theatre; proscenium arch; cast-iron structure; auditorium renovation; cultural heritage
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines the reconstruction of the Csokonai National Theatre in Debrecen between 2018 and 2023, focusing on both architectural heritage and modern theatrical requirements. The theatre was originally designed by Antal Szkalnitzky and built between 1861 and 1865 after several earlier plans and locations had been considered. Over nearly 160 years, the building underwent continuous modifications due to evolving fire safety regulations, audience expectations, and technological developments in theatre operation. The reconstruction project aimed to preserve the historical character of the building while creating a modern and functional theatre space with more than 600 full-view seats. The architects redesigned the entrance hall to make it brighter, more spacious, and more elegant by relocating staircases and reusing the former carriage passage as a windbreak area. During demolition works, previously hidden historical architectural elements and decorative wall paintings were discovered beneath later stair structures. The study also presents a detailed investigation of the theatre’s proscenium arch, revealing a complex hidden structural system combining steel, brick, wood, and arch construction techniques. Another important finding concerned the balcony supports, where original cast-iron cantilevers had been shortened during construction and later concealed within heavy stucco decorations. The renovation removed visually obstructive columns from the auditorium while preserving the original parapets and significantly increasing audience capacity. Overall, the project demonstrates how historical preservation and contemporary theatre functionality can be successfully integrated in the reconstruction of a living cultural monument.
Ezerarcú középkori romok
Ezerarcú középkori romok
(Medieval ruins with a thousand faces)
- Author(s):Bálint Zoltán Kelemen
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Archaeology, Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture
- Page Range:163-180
- No. of Pages:18
- Keywords:medieval ruins; monument preservation; ruin conservation; heritage architecture; reconstruction; Szádvár; Aszófő-Kövesd; Varjaskér; Csákányospuszta; ruin characterology
- Summary/Abstract:The study explores the conservation and restoration of medieval ruins in Hungary, with special attention to the concept of “ruin characterology.” It argues that conservation and reconstruction are complementary approaches within monument preservation, and that each site requires a unique intervention strategy. The author presents several recent restoration projects carried out within the National Castle Programme and the ROM Vándor initiative. The restoration of Szádvár focused on preserving the natural landscape, wildlife, and the dramatic ruined appearance of the medieval fortress. Archaeological excavations, 3D laser scanning, and structural investigations played a major role in understanding the castle’s history and planning its stabilization. At the Aszófő-Kövesd church ruin, the project emphasized the spiritual symbolism of light, especially the sunlight entering the sanctuary during the equinoxes. The restoration also highlighted the harmony between the ruin and its natural environment through subtle contemporary additions and landscape design. At the Tatabánya-Csákányospuszta church ruin, the design commemorated the former inhabitants by symbolically marking 144 excavated graves with lights and installations. The Somogyszentpál-Varjaskér project introduced a contemporary corten-steel gateway that stabilizes the remaining wall while marking the sacred entrance axis of the former church. Overall, the study demonstrates how historical research, archaeology, architecture, and sensitive contemporary interventions can together preserve and reinterpret medieval ruins for present-day visitors.
Historical Industrial Architecture as Part of Future Research
Historical Industrial Architecture as Part of Future Research
(Historical Industrial Architecture as Part of Future Research)
- Author(s):Martin Pilsitz
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture
- Page Range:181-198
- No. of Pages:18
- Keywords:industrial heritage; sustainable architecture; energy efficiency; bionics; Kőbánya cellar system; historic breweries; malt house; climate change; functionalism; industrial archaeology
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines how historical industrial architecture can contribute to future-oriented architectural research and sustainable construction practices. It argues that architecture should respond to social and environmental challenges, especially climate change and resource depletion. The author criticizes the modern construction industry for its high levels of pollution, waste production, and energy consumption. Using the historical brewery cellar system in Budapest-Kőbánya as an example, the paper demonstrates how industrial buildings once achieved remarkable energy efficiency without external power sources. The underground limestone cellars maintained stable temperatures and humidity naturally, while natural ice from the Danube was used for cooling beer storage areas. The study also presents the Haggenmacher malt house in Budapest-Budafok as an early example of process bionics in architecture. The malt house was designed to imitate natural germination conditions for barley through carefully controlled light, temperature, humidity, and ventilation systems. Its architecture combined functionality, construction technology, and biological principles in a highly rational and sustainable way. The paper emphasizes that historic industrial buildings should not only be preserved as monuments, but also studied as valuable sources of knowledge for future sustainable design solutions. Overall, the author concludes that the scientific analysis of historical industrial architecture can inspire innovative responses to contemporary environmental and energy challenges.
Problems of Preservation of Cultural Landscape in Vodnjan Area
Problems of Preservation of Cultural Landscape in Vodnjan Area
(Problems of Preservation of Cultural Landscape in Vodnjan Area)
- Author(s):Nikolina Belošević, Toni Ivetić, Danko Dujmović
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Archaeology, Cultural history, Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture, Local History / Microhistory
- Page Range:199-220
- No. of Pages:22
- Keywords:cultural landscape; Vodnjan; Istria; heritage preservation; Roman centuriation; dry-stone walls; kažuni; archaeological heritage; sustainable conservation; traditional architecture
- Summary/Abstract:The study explores the preservation of the cultural landscape in the Vodnjan area of Istria, Croatia, emphasizing the interaction between humans and nature over thousands of years. It describes the region as a unique historical environment containing prehistoric hillforts, Roman centuriation systems, medieval churches, dry-stone walls, and traditional stone huts called kažuni. The authors explain that the Vodnjan landscape reflects continuous settlement and agricultural activity from antiquity to modern times. Roman influence is especially visible in the preserved road networks, villae rusticae, olive oil production sites, and the ancient land division system. The paper also highlights the survival of the Istriotic language and the cultural traditions of Orthodox Montenegrin settlers in Peroj. A major goal of the study is the proposal to register the Northwestern Vodnjan Cultural Landscape in the Register of Cultural Properties of the Republic of Croatia. The authors identify several serious threats to the area, including illegal construction, urban expansion, tourism development, and intensive modern agriculture that destroys traditional dry-stone structures and archaeological remains. They stress that many valuable monuments and archaeological sites remain insufficiently protected despite their historical significance. The study proposes preservation measures such as maintaining historic parcel divisions, protecting traditional architecture, preserving ancient roads, and conducting systematic archaeological research before construction or agricultural interventions. The authors conclude that long-term preservation of the Vodnjan cultural landscape requires cooperation between conservation experts, local authorities, and the local community, supported by education and sustainable cultural tourism.
Constitutional cultural heritage protection
Constitutional cultural heritage protection
(Constitutional cultural heritage protection)
- Author(s):Annamária Eszter Szabó
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Constitutional Law
- Page Range:221-233
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:constitutional law; cultural heritage protection; Hungarian Constitutional Court; right to culture; Fundamental Law; monument protection; non-derogation doctrine; World Heritage; cultural rights; state obligation
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines the constitutional foundations of cultural heritage protection in Hungary, focusing on the relationship between cultural rights, state obligations, and constitutional law. The author argues that cultural heritage protection has become increasingly important due to global challenges concerning ownership, preservation, sustainable use, and public access to cultural goods. The paper reviews both the former Hungarian Constitution of 1949 and the current Fundamental Law adopted in 2011, emphasizing the evolution of cultural rights within Hungarian public law. According to the study, the current Fundamental Law defines cultural values and natural resources as part of the nation’s common heritage, whose protection is the duty of both the state and society. A central theme of the article is the interpretation of the “non-derogation doctrine,” which prohibits reducing the level of protection already achieved for cultural heritage and environmental values. The author analyzes Decision 25/2021 of the Hungarian Constitutional Court, which examined the privatization of apartments located in World Heritage and protected monument zones. The Constitutional Court concluded that the protection of cultural heritage must remain guaranteed even in private legal transactions such as property sales. The study also argues that the “right to culture” can be interpreted as a constitutional right of access to cultural heritage, similarly to the right to education and the right to a healthy environment. The paper emphasizes that the state must establish legal guarantees and institutional safeguards to preserve monuments and cultural values for future generations. Overall, the article concludes that cultural heritage protection in Hungary is both a constitutional state obligation and a fundamental cultural right that requires continuous legal and institutional protection.
Relationship between Monument Protection and Yuru-Chara: Exploring Kawaii from the Aesthetic Sensibility of Jomon Venus
Relationship between Monument Protection and Yuru-Chara: Exploring Kawaii from the Aesthetic Sensibility of Jomon Venus
(Relationship between Monument Protection and Yuru-Chara: Exploring Kawaii from the Aesthetic Sensibility of Jomon Venus)
- Author(s):Mikiko Kojima
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Museology & Heritage Studies, Visual Arts, History of Art
- Page Range:235-247
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:yuru-chara; kawaii aesthetics; Jōmon Venus; cultural heritage; monument protection; regional mascots; archaeology; Hikone Castle; Jōmon dogū; cultural tourism
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines the relationship between Japanese yuru-chara mascots, kawaii aesthetics, and cultural heritage preservation. It focuses on how cute regional mascots inspired by historical and archaeological objects can promote monument protection and public engagement with heritage sites. A central example is the Jōmon Venus, a prehistoric clay figurine from the Middle Jōmon period, whose rounded and expressive form is interpreted as an early source of Japanese kawaii sensibility. The author argues that the emotional appeal of kawaii aesthetics creates stronger public interest in historical artefacts and archaeological heritage. The paper presents successful examples such as Hiko-nyan, the mascot of Hikone Castle, which generated major tourism growth and economic benefits for the region. Other mascots, including Chi-bo, Tana, Mi-tan, and Lavie, reinterpret prehistoric Jōmon dogū figurines in modern kawaii form to connect local identity with archaeological heritage. The study emphasizes that yuru-chara mascots function not only as commercial tools but also as cultural intermediaries that make heritage sites more approachable and emotionally engaging for wider audiences. According to the article, kawaii aesthetics can revitalize neglected historical sites by encouraging tourism, merchandise sales, and community participation in heritage preservation. The author also reinterprets the phrase “Kawaii is Justice” as a symbol of how emotional attachment and aesthetic charm can contribute meaningfully to monument protection and cultural sustainability. Overall, the study concludes that the combination of kawaii culture, archaeology, and regional branding offers innovative possibilities for preserving and promoting cultural heritage in contemporary society.
Restaurátor akcióban: Rendhagyó értékmentés a déli végeken
Restaurátor akcióban: Rendhagyó értékmentés a déli végeken
(Conservator in action. Unusual value-rescue in the Municipal Museum of Subotica)
- Author(s):Zsuzsanna Korhecz Papp
- Language:English, Hungarian
- Subject(s):Visual Arts
- Page Range:249-264
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:Baroque painting; restoration; cultural heritage; Vojvodina; church art; monument preservation; travelling exhibitions; art conservation; Catholic heritage; museum restoration
- Summary/Abstract:The study presents an unusual and highly personal monument preservation initiative carried out by the restoration workshop of the Municipal Museum of Subotica between 2011 and 2023. The author describes how she independently researched, restored, and exhibited the forgotten works of several Baroque painters connected to the Catholic heritage of Vojvodina and the southern regions of the former Kingdom of Hungary. The paper explains that the Catholic ecclesiastical artistic heritage of the region suffered severe neglect after the political changes following the First World War and during the socialist period in Yugoslavia. Many churches lost their congregations, artworks disappeared, and no institutional Catholic museum system developed in the region. In response, the author organized seven international travelling exhibitions dedicated to artists such as Sebastian Stetner, Mathias Hanisch, Franciscus Falconer, Paulus Antonius Senser, Mathias Schervitz, and the Schöfft painter family. The exhibitions combined restoration work, art historical research, multilingual monographs, and public education programs focused on Baroque iconography and painting techniques. The restoration projects also enabled scientific investigations into the materials and techniques used by eighteenth-century Central European painters. The study emphasizes the importance of involving the public, especially children, through interactive educational tools such as puzzles, memory games, touchscreen applications, live restorations, and documentary films. Several restored altarpieces were later officially protected as state monuments, confirming their outstanding art historical value. Overall, the article demonstrates how individual dedication, cross-border cooperation, and museum-based restoration practice can successfully rescue endangered cultural heritage in regions lacking institutional support.
Mi nyílik a beton alatt? Művészet és műemlékvédelem az óbecsei Weinberger-házban és a kertjében
Mi nyílik a beton alatt? Művészet és műemlékvédelem az óbecsei Weinberger-házban és a kertjében
(What is Blooming Beneath the Concrete? Art and Monument Protection in the Weinberger House and Garden of Óbecse)
- Author(s):Endre Raffay
- Language:Hungarian
- Subject(s):Cultural history, Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture, Visual Arts, History of Art
- Page Range:265-286
- No. of Pages:22
- Keywords:monument preservation; contemporary art; heritage restoration; Weinberger House; garden reconstruction; architectural heritage; artists’ colony; cultural memory; landscape design; interdisciplinary cooperation
- Summary/Abstract:The study examines the relationship between contemporary art and monument preservation through the restoration and reinterpretation of the historic Weinberger House and its garden in Bečej, Serbia. The author explains how the idea of connecting art with heritage protection emerged from earlier artistic projects focused on endangered architectural monuments. The Weinberger House, built around 1940, became the central site of the “Art and Monument Preservation” artists’ colony organized in 2024 and 2025. Artists, architects, and students collaborated to clean, document, and partially restore the abandoned building and its neglected garden. The paper presents detailed historical and architectural analyses of the house, its veranda, garden structures, and original decorative elements. Archival photographs were used to reconstruct the original layout of the front garden, including pathways, flowerbeds, and ornamental vegetation. The project also explored how garden reconstruction can combine historical authenticity with contemporary ecological and artistic approaches. Special attention was given to removing later concrete additions and revealing original brick pathways hidden beneath them. Several artistic installations and exhibitions were inspired by the excavation and restoration processes, including the installation titled What Blooms Beneath the Concrete? The study ultimately argues that interdisciplinary cooperation between artists, architects, restorers, and local communities can create innovative forms of cultural heritage preservation and public engagement.
