If you're the type of person who learns better through interaction rather than books, then you're clearly a fan of museums. And if that's the case, it's important to pay a visit to the Szekler National Museum in Sfântu Gheorghe, Covasna County. Why? Because this impressive institution reopened its doors on October 26, 2023, after several years of renovation work. And the unwritten rule is that everything new is also beautiful.

Before we truly explain why it's worth visiting this attraction, you should know that the Szekler National Museum has a history of almost 150 years. However, the last renovations before the major rehabilitation took place in the 1980s. It houses amazing collections and is preparing special events, especially now that the space is perfect for such occasions.

So, are you ready? Here are 5 reasons why you should visit the "new" Szekler National Museum as soon as possible:

1. The exhibition space has been expanded by 30%

The main argument for why the space is now perfect for exhibitions is that, as a result of the modernization, it has been expanded by 30%. Because no one truly enjoys overcrowding.

"We have managed to expand the exhibition spaces by 30% compared to how it was before, primarily because we have restored and brought to life those buildings that were used as workshops or warehouses, and in addition, the basement of the main building, which used to be a storage area. From now on, these areas will be visitable warehouses and additional spaces for various events," stated Tamás Sándor, the President of Covasna County Council, which oversees the cultural institution, before the reopening.

 

2. Within the museum's premises, there is a dendrological park that boasts several thousand plants.

Inside the museum, a center for museum pedagogy has been established, and the museum research cabinets and object restoration workshops have been renovated. In addition to these facilities, there is also a park that will undoubtedly leave you speechless.

"The dendrological park houses several thousand plants, which will, of course, be properly maintained, and it will host various cultural events," stated the President of Covasna County Council.

 

3. It was constructed according to the plans of the renowned Transylvanian architect Kós Károly

The history of this museum revolves around the famous architect Kós Károly, and the restoration was carried out in accordance with his plans.

"The museum tower has also been restored, which is significant because the tower was always at the center of Kós Károly's architectural designs. Kós Károly had a deep affection for this institution," added the President of Covasna County Council.

 

4. The restoration works cost over 25 million RON

The restoration and modernization works had a price tag of nearly 25 million RON. They were financed through European funds, under the 2014-2020 Regional Operational Program, as well as from the budget of Covasna County Council.

 

5. The collections will be enhanced through smart techniques.

The "new" museum, if we can call it that, will strive to reach younger generations as well, with interactive exhibitions, concerts, and other events that demonstrate the vitality of the space, serving as a portal between the various dimensions of time - past, present, and future.

"We look forward to welcoming visitors to see what we have accomplished in these years since we began the renovation of the Szekler National Museum building... We have managed to create, I believe, a modern institution that will be visited by both the elderly and the young. We want to open up to the younger generation because a display case and a museum object as it has been presented until now may not be very interesting to the generation that follows. We want to create a museum for the 21st century. We will make the most of the museum's beautiful park; we want to have outdoor concerts here and events that the whole family can attend, not just parents but also children. We want to be as open as possible to people. We have trilingual inscriptions and trilingual guidance, so we can welcome visitors from all over the country as well as from abroad," said the institution's director, Mihály Vargha, before the museum's reopening, as cited by Agerpres.

Now, all that's left is to let you discover for yourself that this gem is worthy of every visitor who crosses its threshold.

Photo: Facebook/Consiliul Județean Covasna - Kovászna Megye Tanácsa