Probably the most important private residence in Arad (if we exclude the palaces), Neuman House was the property of the most prestigious family in the history of the city. After the communists seized it, it became the Guest House of Arad county and was used as a protocol residence by the Ceaușescu family, including for official meetings between heads of state. Retroceded to the heirs in the 2000s, the imposing construction, today private property, is now ready to add new pages to its rich history.
The Neuman House situated on Horia street is an architectural jewel that impressed over time many businessmen, artists or heads of state. The house discloses its secrets only for those who have the chance to cross its threshold: the street façade, with balanced proportions and mild decorative elements, does not offer any clue of the architectural exuberance that we find beyond the wooden gate that opens the way into the inner courtyard. Once inside, one understands the large dimensions of the U-shaped building, with the main façade marked by a grand neoclassical entrance, with a fronton and four columns. The interior retains the pomp of the last century: brightly colored stained glass windows, elaborately painted, wood carvings, wire stuccoes, fireplaces and many other decorative elements. The inscription on the façade indicates the years of the construction, 1925-1926.
Arad benefited enormously from the rise and consolidation of the Neuman empire, the industrialist family being the largest tax payers for local budgets. Alfred′s son, Francisc, was born in Arad in 1910. In 1935 his brother, Eduard, who ran the Yeast and Alcohol Factory, emigrated to Cuba, so Francisc took over all the family′s business, at the age of only 25. The Baron increased the family′s wealth, but was also the helpless witness of its loss, in 1948, during nationalization. He left to Switzerland without any money, from there to Salzburg and afterwards, to the USA.
All the members of the family showed a real social involvement and solidarity, providing support through their charitable foundations. They showed increased care for their employees and contributed to improving the lives of the inhabitants. The Neuman family financially supported the construction of the imposing Cultural Palace inaugurated in 1913 and other palaces, exquisite jewels of the center of Arad. Today, their name is a true legend, not only in Arad, but throughout the entire Western part of the country.
The Neuman House from Horia street fully reflects the grandeur of the famous family, being built with elements of neoclassical architecture and a ground floor rich in decorations, extremely exuberant, preserving today many of the original elements. The current owner has carried out a series of renovation and consolidation works (deepening and basement insulation, attic elevation, repairing the façade etc.). The house benefits from a project of complete remodeling and transformation of the building into a hotel with 23 rooms / 4 apartments / restaurant and SPA. The location of the building is ideal for a hotel - in the center of Arad, opposite the Szantay Palace. Additionally, the generous indoor courtyard can be converted into a summer garden.
