Debrecen4U
January 19, 2026
Debrecen Receives Lajos Kossuth Painting as a Donation from MBH Bank
MBH Bank donated an oil painting of Lajos Kossuth to the citizens of Debrecen and the Municipality of Debrecen. The artwork was formally presented on January 15, 2026, at the Old Town Hall.
András Puskás, Deputy CEO of MBH Bank, said at the handover ceremony that it took a year and a half to find the only portrait of Lajos Kossuth that was available for sale. He emphasized that, following restoration, the painting could be presented to the city of Debrecen in its original splendor, hoping that every citizen of Debrecen would be proud of it.
Mayor László Papp thanked MBH Bank for the donation. Upon receiving the donation, he emphasized that the Old Town Hall played a key role in the Hungarian War of Independence in 1849. Lajos Kossuth, President of the National Defense Committee, fled from Pest to Debrecen and set up his residence and office here. He pointed out that the current Mayor’s Reference Library was once Lajos Kossuth’s bedroom, which is why this room was named the Kossuth Room.
János Bodó, owner of the Bodó Gallery and Auction House, recalled that the artwork depicting Lajos Kossuth arrived at their workshop during a restoration process, and that its owner held it in very high esteem. He added that once it became clear where the artwork would be displayed, they were able to purchase it from the owner.
Guests arriving at the Old Town Hall, as well as participants in the City Hall tours organized by VisitDebrecen, will also be able to view the portrait.
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Since April 2025, MBH Bank has been managing the accounts of the Municipality of Debrecen and its institutions. The municipality selected the financial institution through a tender procedure to provide payment and deposit management services.
MBH Bank has played a significant role in the economic life of Debrecen and its wider region for many years. The bank operates five branches in the city, offering expert support to retail, corporate, and municipal clients. Its Agricultural Center in Debrecen provides direct access to financial services and products tailored to the agricultural sector.
The bank maintains cooperation with more than 350 companies in the region and is an active member of the Hajdú‑Bihar County Chamber of Commerce and Industry, reflecting its commitment to supporting local businesses and regional economic development.
MBH Bank is also a dedicated supporter of sports in Debrecen. Through its partnership with MBH Bank, DNS Kft.—the operator of the stadium hosting Debreceni VSC—and DVSC Futball Zrt., the colors of the bank’s Private Banking division are prominently displayed throughout the interior spaces of the Great Forest Stadium.
Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu
