Hintz House – Cluj‑Napoca
History
The site of the Mauksch–Hintz House has been intertwined with Cluj’s medicinal and civic life for nearly 450 years. What began as the city’s first pharmacy, established in 1573 under municipal administration, rose in prominence over the centuries. It transitioned to private ownership by Alexander Schwartz around 1727 and was then acquired by Tobias Mauksch, a Saxon apothecary, in 1752.
The site became known as the “Saint George’s Pharmacy”, later carried on by Alma Mauksch’s descendant Dr. György Hintz—the first in Transylvania with a doctorate in pharmacology—who took over in 1863. The house remained in Hintz hands until the communist nationalization of 1949, after which it became a pharmacy museum under the National Museum of Transylvanian History in 1954, inspired by medical historians like Sámuel Izsák.
After the 1989 Revolution, descendants—including current owner Dr. György Hintz, living in Germany—initiated restitution efforts. In 2018, a multi-year, multi-million‑lei restoration project commenced, culminating in early 2024 with the reopening of all floors to the public.Style
The building is a fusion of Renaissance, Baroque, and Classicist architecture. The ground floor and vaulted basement, dating from the 16th century, preserve the original pharmacy structure, while the Classicist façade facing Ferdinand Street dates to the 1820s.
Inside, nearly 3,000 artifacts are displayed across four main rooms and the basement. These include original wooden apothecary cabinets; ceramic, faience, glass, and porcelain containers; various bronze, iron, and marble mortars; balances; distillation apparatus; and even rare alchemical curiosities like "mummy dust" and live specimens.
A monumental vaulted salon (the “officina”) features vibrant frescoes from 1766–1752, depicting pharmacy symbolism such as the Tree of Life, cranes holding stones (symbolizing vigilance), cornucopias, and the staff of Asclepius. Additional rooms—storeroom, laboratory, herb‑drying attic—retain authentic features like herb transport pulleys and “witches’ kitchen” secret laboratory spaces.
Famous residents
The house has welcomed prominent cultural figures beyond the Hintz family. Lucia Popescu, a celebrated Transylvanian folklorist, held several of her public lectures here in the 1920s, exploring the medicinal use of local herbs. In recent years, the space has hosted Dr. Ana-Maria Gruia, lead curator of the Pharmatrans project, who is known for her innovative educational programs. These include workshops for schoolchildren, revival of traditional apothecary practices, and global pharmacy heritage networks.
Renovation
As part of the 2018–2024 restoration, the project introduced upgraded insulation, making the building more energy-efficient—an early example of sustainable heritage conservation in Cluj. The team partnered with local craftsmen—stone masons, carpenters, and fresco specialists—to authentically restore interior woodwork and painted ceilings. Community engagement was integral: an open-door “restoration-in-progress” program invited curious locals and tourists to learn about archaeological discoveries, such as ancient artifacts found in the cellar.Present day
Today, the Mauksch–Hintz House is a fully functioning museum and cultural venue. Run by the National Museum of Transylvanian History and part of the Pharmatrans initiative, educational and multilingual exhibits aim to bring medical heritage to life. The ground floor and basement are open daily (Tue–Sun), with adult entry typically around 10 RON, and guided experiences such as making soap, candles, and perfumes.
In December 2024, the newly restored upper gallery hosted its first international exhibition: “The Universe of Salvador Dalí”, featuring over 170 works including sculptures, graphics, and holograms. The show runs until April 2025 and has been praised for its “striking symbolism,” with critics highlighting how Dalí’s surrealism resonates in a centuries-old apothecary environment.
During restoration, notable archaeological discoveries were made: Roman-era wall remains, a hidden 19th-century coin hoard in medicinal bottles, and handwritten documents in the attic, deepening the building’s historical layers.
Owner Dr. György Hintz asserts that reuniting family heritage with a public purpose fulfills a vision held by his ancestors. Their lineage of civic-minded pharmacists is echoed in the house’s new role—a living link between science, history, and the arts.
