Széchenyi István University is planning to acquire the Post Palace in Mosonmagyaróvár with the intention of both preserving historical value and generating new opportunities. The institution seeks to revitalize the emblematic building by assigning it a new function, acting in the interest of the town and the surrounding region. The University has initiated the purchase of the property—which has stood vacant for years—and is open to offering the ground floor for municipal use.

“Our University approached Magyar Posta with the intention of purchasing the property because we consider it our duty to contribute to the preservation of Mosonmagyaróvár’s built heritage while also enriching the town with new opportunities,” stated Dr Tamás Tóth, Dean of the Albert Kázmér Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences in Mosonmagyaróvár. “The more than 100-year-old Post Palace, designed in the historicist architectural style, is currently in a state unworthy of its past. We would like to see it restored as a source of pride for the community—serving public, academic and even municipal functions.” He added that the leadership of the University and the Faculty has long maintained close and regular cooperation with the town’s administration in support of shared progress.

The University is willing to make the ground floor of the building available to the local government, should there be a need. This space could potentially be used to reopen the post office that was closed in 2022 or to offer other public services important to local residents. According to the University's plans, the upper floors could be converted into teaching staff apartments or similar uses.

The Mosonmagyaróvár Post Palace was designed in the early 20th century by renowned architect Béla Hőnel. (Photo: András Adorján)

The acquisition of the Post Palace aligns seamlessly with the University’s development trajectory over the past decade—a process that began in 2015 with the integration of the University and the Faculty, which was finalized the following year. Since then, the Faculty has undergone significant growth: the number of instructor-researchers has increased by one-third, while the number of researchers has risen more than fivefold, approaching 150. Since 2016, the number of associate professors has grown by 14, research professors by 5, senior research fellows by 4, and academic engineers and research and development engineers by 14.

The Faculty’s growing appeal is also reflected in student application trends. The number of first-choice applicants has nearly doubled, and admissions figures continue to break records year after year. The student population is now 25% higher than it was nine years ago, surpassing 1,000. While there were years in the past when fewer than 150 first-year students began their studies in September, recent figures have consistently exceeded 200, with over 400 first-year enrollments last year—and this year, yet another record is expected.

The Post Palace is not the University's only development project in Mosonmagyaróvár. In the near future, the institution plans to renovate the M-Club with an investment of 375 million HUF, transforming it into an inviting community space that will feature a café, buffet, terrace, and areas for educational and workshop activities. Additionally, parking around the castle will be reorganized, continuing the preservation work initiated in recent years to restore the Óvár Castle and its surroundings.

“For Széchenyi István University, there is no question that it plays an active role as part of the local community, supporting the development of the town and the region in every possible way,” emphasized Dean Dr Tamás Tóth. “This commitment is reflected in our intention to purchase the Post Palace as well. We firmly believe that this building can once again serve the community, complementing the University’s presence in Mosonmagyaróvár in a meaningful and dignified way.”