Debrecen4U
September 30, 2025
Autumn Festival of Museums in Debrecen
As part of the Autumn Festival of Museums, Debrecen’s cultural institutions will commemorate Szabó Magda on October 4.
A press conference about the program was held at the Déri Museum on September 29, 2025, with Deputy Mayor István Puskás and representatives of the participating institutions.
Deputy Mayor István Puskás recalled the success of the Night of Museums, thanks to the teamwork of Debrecen’s cultural institutions. Now, the city’s exhibition venues are joining another nationwide initiative—the Autumn Festival of Museums—to continue this collaboration. He noted that while the recent Days of Cultural Heritage focused on Debrecen’s built heritage, this time the museums will open their doors once again.
The deputy mayor emphasized that Debrecen’s programs around fashion have gained a unique local focus, especially since the festival coincides with Szabó Magda’s birthday on October 5. Her legacy will be honored through events like the Matula Days at the Dóczy High School of the Reformed College and the MagdaFest at the Csokonai National Theater, with many other programs planned around the anniversary.
Dávid Csorba, director of the Reformed College Museum, highlighted that the Szabó Magda Memorial House will offer a scented guided tour evoking the writer’s perfume. On October 4, the DRK Dóczy High School will host a full-day reunion for all alumni from the past 25 years.
Katalin Vizi, director of MODEM, noted that this is the 20th edition of the Autumn Festival of Museums, running from September 29 to November 9. Debrecen’s public collections chose October 4 as a joint celebration date, given the significance of the next day. At MODEM, this weekend also marks the closing of the Márton Szipál exhibition, with a farewell tour led by photographer András Máthé.
István Oláh, president and pastor of the Debrecen Reformed Great Church Congregation, announced a special literary journey on October 4 to bring Szabó Magda’s life to life at the Reformed Great Church. The evening will feature literature, theater, and music, including readings by Klári Varga (Jászai Mari Award-winning actress), a performance by Hédi Bacsa from “Für Elise,” and music by violinist Zoltán Tordai and his ensemble. Members of the Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired will also attend, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and inclusion.
Dániel Sárosi, tourism coordinator of the Kistemplom-Ispotály Reformed Church, shared that Szabó Magda was also connected to the Small Reformed Church (Kistemplom) and its worship services. On Saturday, visitors can hear her favorite Reformed hymns interpreted by renowned composers, and the popular nighttime tower tour will also be available.
Lajos Lakner, deputy scientific director of the Déri Museum, announced a presentation titled “Fashion in the Civic World” led by Viktória Ormosi, exploring fashion in churches, homes, and civic life. Personal items from Szabó Magda’s legacy will also be on display.
Visiting five programs with one ticket
Purchased tickets grant access to every event.
Ticket prices:
Full-price ticket: 3,000 HUF/person
Discounted ticket (ages 6–26 and 62–70): 1,500 HUF/person
Children under 6: free
Seniors over 70: free
Family ticket: 7,000 HUF/family
Tickets available at the Great Church, Karakter 1517 Bookstore & Café, and online at jegy.hu.
Source: debrecen.hu | Photo credit:Facebook Debrecen városa
