The history of the Népkert (People's Park) in Magyarkanizsa dates back to the 1850s, when the local residents first began using it as a communal park. It was officially established in 1859 with the goal of providing a pleasant recreational space for the community. Over the decades, the Népkert became a venue for numerous social and cultural events, further enriched by the construction of the Vigadó building in 1894. Until World War I and throughout the interwar period, the park remained one of the most important centers of local communal life.
Style
The Vigadó, the key structure of Népkert, was built in Swiss style, which is a romantic, stylized interpretation of Alpine rural houses. Its main features include steep roofs, porches, balconies, and intricate wooden carvings. Thanks to this architectural style, the Vigadó blended harmoniously into the surrounding park, which was designed with a combination of French and English garden elements. The park featured geometric flower beds, walking paths, groves, and fountains.
Famous residents
The condition of Népkert and Vigadó has significantly deteriorated over time. Although the Vigadó is classified as a protected monument, it has been neglected for many years, with little prospect for restoration. The park has lost most of its original functions and now only serves as a nostalgic reminder of its past. In 2013, residents protested against the construction of a water park, which would have partially affected the park’s area—demonstrating the strong attachment of the local community to this historical site.
Present day
Over the years, several renovation plans for Népkert and Vigadó have been proposed, though most were only partially realized. In 2013, during public protests against a proposed water park project, the idea of restoring Népkert to its original state resurfaced. While no comprehensive renovation project was launched, the local community remains committed to preserving and revitalizing both the park and the Vigadó.
