Hungarian Garden

The Hungarian Cultural Garden began with the dedication of a bas-relief to composer Franz Liszt on the site in 1934; it was completed and formally dedicated in 1938.

The Garden is constructed on two levels along the upper boulevard, and overlooks lower East Boulevard. Designed by a well-known architect of Budapest, Hungary, its design is distinguished by a compact, opulent, and formal landscape style. The original design and intentions have been well maintained, with hedges allowed to be cut to a larger size. This lends the spaces a contemplative feel of discovery.

Visitors enter the Garden, from East Boulevard, through a patterned wrought-iron gateway, which was the gift of the Verhovay Insurance Association. Crafted by Handcraft Metal, whose crafts people trained at the renowned Rose Iron Works, the gate is like the traditional type of archway leading to country estates in the Szekely region of Hungary. The Szekely Kapus is decorated with two small delightful peasant figures in bronze; it also bears the year 1938, signaling the Gardens’ formal dedication. Though “rehabilitated” in recent years, the gate remains a remarkable tribute to the delicate artisanal brilliance of early twentieth century ironworkers in Cleveland.

Clara Lederer, in Their Paths are Peace, describes the principal plot on the upper level as “a rectangular reflecting pool and fountain are set in a pattern of low walls and geometric walks of brick, stone, and marble, and rich plantings of the growths best known in Hungary–hawthorn, yew, cotoneasters, and azaleas. Two linden trees, formal flower beds, and brick, stone, and marble walls and walks are the features of the lower garden. Two wing sections, formal arrangements of lawn, brick paths, and sculptured stone benches, adjoin the larger upper garden. In the section to the left of the entrance is a bas-relief of Franz Liszt.”