Among the significant projects Spiegel worked on is the Hungarian State Theater and the Hungarian Opera in Kolozsvár (now Cluj-Napoca, Romania). This building was erected as the city's summer theater on the site of an older wooden structure from 1874, which served the same purpose. From 1957 to 1961, its architecture was altered with the addition of a reception hall and a new façade. Gezá Márkus was another architect involved in the project.
Frigyes Spiegel, born into a Jewish family in Pest, was not just an architect but also a furniture designer. After earning his architectural degree from the Royal Technical University József in 1887, he began his career collaborating with Vilmos Freund and later with Fülöp Weinréb. Much of their work focused on designing theaters and playhouses, particularly in the Secession style, the Hungarian counterpart to Art Nouveau.
During the Hungarian Soviet Republic, Spiegel held a position, and after its fall, he fled to Oradea, continuing his architectural practice. He soon returned to Budapest, back to his roots and homeland, where he ended his life, leaving behind a legacy that embodies the fusion of art and national identity.
Imagine a half-day walk through Cluj, the Transylvanian capital, where history meets modernity. You could start your journey at the house of a famous Hungarian king, absorbing the stories embedded in the aged bricks and mortar. Continue to the city's oldest church, a sanctuary of architectural and spiritual grace. Next, ascend the most picturesque tower for a panoramic view of Cluj, offering a bird's-eye glimpse of the cityscape below.
As you stroll, consider the diverse architecture—Secessionist or Art Nouveau—that defines the city's visual personality. Feel the pulse of local life at the central collective farm market, where you can revel in the aroma and flavours of fresh produce and traditional foods. Follow the charming canals and streams that lace through the city, finally relaxing in the shade of the urban park, a haven amid bustling life.
To cap off your journey, indulge in a meal at a local restaurant, like Maimuța Plângătoare, renowned for its soups and local brews. The atmosphere inside and in its cosy courtyard will make you feel like you've discovered Cluj's heart.
