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Central Grand Cafe & Bar Central Literary Class
Régi "Garaboncás Diák" újság egy újságtartóban a Centrál Kávéházban, irodalmi múltidézés.

ABOUT US

Central Grand Cafe Literary Salon: Culture and Tradition in Budapest

A special encounter with historic coffee houses and the history of the West during school teaching weeks every Tuesday, a celebration of culture and literature in the spirit of coffee house heritage.
A heti rendszerességű irodalmi zsúr célja
Az irodalmi zsúrok menete
Élmények a kávéházban és az előadások után
A kávéház saját újságja: Centrál Krónika
In 1908, the Nyugat magazine, which changed the life of Hungarian literature, was born in the Centrál Kávéház, which gave us Ady, Babits, Kosztolányi, Karinthy, Árpád Tóth, Lőrince Szabó, Szép Ernőt, Sándor Weöres, Radnót and the countless luminaries of Hungarian literature.

The Centrál Kávéház is not only a progressive historical Grand Cafe, but also a living guardian of Hungarian culture and literature, a maintainer of universal values. For us, preserving and passing on values ​​is at least as important as gastronomic experiences. For a new generation, for free, with joy, from the heart, with enthusiasm.

What is the Central Literary Salon?

The Central Literary Salon is an interactive cultural programme that introduces new generations to the legacy of Hungarian literature. Held within the historic Centrál Grand Cafe, the programme brings the story of Nyugat and Hungary’s literary heritage to life through engaging experiences.

Centrál was one of the cradles of Hungarian literature. From 1920 to 1943, the members of the editorial team met every Tuesday under the name Nyugat Zzúr at the Central. The Centrál Grand Cafe would like to pay tribute to our writers and poets in such a way that they pass on their life in the café, their love for the Hungarian language and their country, as well as their belief in the freedom of the spirit to the youth of today. The aim of the Central Literary Jury is to make the treasures of Hungarian literature accessible to a new generation.

The purpose of the weekly literary class

Történelmi fotó a Centrál Kávéház elegáns belső teréről, vendégekkel és pincérekkel.
The Central literary gathering is held every Tuesday morning during school weeks with the participation of high school classes. Young people can explore the world of Hungarian literature in an interactive way, during which they can get to know the history of the West and the Central in a special way. Writer-director Zsolt Meskó and Mr. Bence, the head waiter, host and teach the students to write poetry. The session not only presents Western traditions, but also encourages students to actively use the treasures of the Hungarian language in live speech and online to create their own creative content. The writers of the poems will be members of the Central Poets Society, for which they will also receive a certificate.

The procession of literary groups

Történelmi kép újságot olvasó vendégekről a Centrál Kávéházban, elegáns környezetben.

How does a Central Literary Salon session work?

Students take part in interactive presentations, creative writing and literary activities. Participants learn about the history of Nyugat and the café culture of the era while creating their own literary works.

The literary gatherings are held on Tuesdays at two consecutive times: 9:00 and 10:30. The classes are led by the writer-director Zsolt Meskó and Mr. Bence, the head waiter, in each group no more than 40 people or a class can participate. As part of the program, the students not only receive an experiential lecture, but also have the opportunity to get to know the material culture of the time, as well as to write poetry.

Experiences in the café and after the performances

Történelmi fotó a Centrál Kávéház teraszáról és a korabeli vendégekről Budapesten.

At the literary parties, the students are treated to mineral water and scones by Centrál Kávéház, the program is completely free. After the lectures, the gallery provides an opportunity for students and their teachers to have deeper conversations about what they have learned in class.

What kind of experience does the Central Literary Salon offer?

The programme combines culture, creativity and community. The historic surroundings and interactive format create an inspiring atmosphere that encourages young people to engage with literature.

The café's own newspaper: Centrál Krónika

Az irodalmi kávéház történelmét bemutató újságok és régi fotók egy márványasztalon

What is the role of the Centrál Chronicle?

The Centrál Krónika is a 12-page, bilingual (Hungarian-English) newspaper that guests of the café can read for free. The newspaper not only presents the past and present of the coffee house, but also encourages readers to share their own thoughts or surprise their friends with a message.

The Central literary class is not just a program, but a commitment to culture. Our goal is to make the values ​​of Hungarian literature accessible to a new generation. Let’s provide a community experience that shapes and enriches the lives of young people in the long term. Be a part of this special experience and discover the literary world of the Centrál Kávéház!

How can schools participate in the Central Literary Salon?

The programme is available during school weeks by advance reservation. Secondary school groups can book a session and discover Hungarian literary heritage in an authentic historic café setting.

Reserve the date of the literary class here