Debrecen4U
August 7, 2025
New exhibition showcases the evolution of cycling
The exhibition, which opened at the New Town Hall Gallery in Debrecen, presents the development of the bicycle as a means of transportation, utilizing Attila Katona’s unique private collection and the Debrecen Bicycle Museum’s collection.
At the opening ceremony held on August 6, 2025, Deputy Mayor of Debrecen responsible for cultural affairs, István Puskás, spoke among other things, about the mission of the New Town Hall Gallery, which is to help the people of Debrecen to become better acquainted with the local values of the city and the traditions and phenomena of “Debrecenism” through a series of exhibitions held here.
The current exhibition also serves this aim. István Puskás highlighted that the passionate commitment of Attila Katona and his family to the way they collect, preserve, enhance, and present the memories of cycling history —a manner unique even in Hungary —can be considered a special local value.
The Deputy Mayor encouraged everyone, even based on the experiences gained at the current exhibition, to visit the Debrecen Bicycle Museum, which opened a year ago, where even more pieces of the collection can be seen. This non-profit museum can also serve as an example of how common values can be preserved through individual passion and made visible to everyone. The collaboration associated with this museum also strengthens the Debrecen spirit and the city’s community.
Two-time world velocipede champion Sándor Halápi recalled how he met Attila Katona when he was invited to a flower carnival, and in him he recognized a man who knew a great deal about bicycles and was truly committed to them. As Sándor Halápi emphasised, one of the most valuable recognitions of this commitment and knowledge was that Attila Katona was asked to restore bicycles for the Hungarian Museum of Technology and Transport.
The head of the Debrecen Bicycle Museum, Attila Katona, thanked Deputy Mayors István Puskás and Diána Széles, as well as Cívis Ház Zrt., and everyone else who contributed – even with a bicycle lamp – for their well-intentioned support that made it possible for the Debrecen Bicycle Museum to be established as a private museum a year ago. The exhibition space may soon expand further, allowing for the presentation of nearly 200 bicycles. Consequently, the number of stories that Debrecen, domestic, and foreign visitors share with Attila Katona about their memories and experiences related to bicycles and cycling may also increase.
The chief museologist of the Hungarian Museum of Technology and Transport, János Hidvégi, was also present at the event.
Attila Katona’s collection and work were included in the Debrecen Treasures Collection in January 2024, and at the same time, became a national treasure. The current exhibition, held in the New Town Hall Gallery (Kálvin Street 11) in Debrecen, features over 20 two-wheelers, including some of the most interesting pieces from the collection. The partners in the implementation of the exhibition were Globál Sport Kft., Kós Károly Art Vocational Secondary School, Technical School and Dormitory, Soós Bakery, Gréta-Flóra Kft., and the Local History Department of the Méliusz Central Library. The exhibition can be viewed until September 1, 2025, during the New Town Hall’s regular hours of operation.
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The Debrecen Bicycle Museum opened its doors on August 1, 2024, at 30 Piac Street, where about 100 pieces of Attila Katona’s unique and special collection are on display as part of a permanent exhibition. Those interested can learn about the history and development of cycling from the early 1800s to the present day through an exclusive guided tour of the museum. Visitors can try out individual pieces of the collection, see the restoration process of vintage bicycles, and take special photos with the unique vintage pieces. The collection includes, among others, an exact copy of the first wooden balance bicycle by Karl von Drais, made in 1817; the first pedal-driven bicycle by Pierre Michaux; a unique, handmade velocipede;bicycles made by Hungarian artisans; classic Csepel brand bicycles; and Italian racing machines.
Source and photo credit:debrecen.hu
