Former City Hall in Kecskemét, built in neo-classical style, was destroyed in the middle of the 19th century. In 1890 the City Council organized a contest of a new building project with 5 participants. The idea of Ödön Lechner and Gyula Pártos took the 1st place. The building was constructed in 1893-1897 years. In the next 100 years, this place was also used as a library.
The art critics argue about the style of the object. Some of them are assured that Lechner was charmed by Earlier French Renaissance, the others think that the building’s elements have the features of English Renaissance or Upper Saxon. Anyway, the main aim of the architect was to create his representation of Hungarian style. He mentioned it in the article in 1906. So, regardless of the adding of Earlier Renaissance elements, Lechner covered the walls with ceramics, the traditional facade decorating in Hungary. This material choice was not only a way to cherish traditions but an attempt to make the building stay longer – ceramics is resistant to the external environmental factors.
Inside and outside the building visitors can view the Hungarian and Kecskemét’s coats of arms, in a hall – the fresco made by Bertalan Székely in 1895-1897 years. It was the last secular work of the painter, dedicated to the 1000-years country existence celebration. The fresco illustrates the famous people of Hungarian history.
Today in City Hall a city council and some offices are placed. Municipal meetings run in Ballroom, which is also used as a wedding hall.