Szalon (pronounced “salon”) represents Judith Hoffman’s personal journey to reclaim her Hungarian origins. Having fled Budapest during the Soviet crackdown in the 1950s, she made a life in Los Angeles — education, family, and ultimately, an ongoing interior design business, Concept Design International. But as the political situation in Eastern Europe eased in the 1980s, she found she longed to reconnect with her roots and began regular visits to Hungary.
Surprised by the wealth of design riches she found across Hungary — untapped due to years of Communist domination — Hoffman determined to bring these little-known works to an American audience. She happily uncovered a beautiful space in the La Cienega Design Quarter, and remodeled it into an elegant, inviting Deco-inflected showroom. Thus was Szalon born, opening to the public in 2004.
Announced by the dramatic grillwork of its façade, Szalon immerses visitors in a milieu that evokes the grand interiors of early 20th century Hungary and Central Europe, yet still exudes a fresh, contemporary feeling. Specializing in furniture and decorative arts from the Vienna Secession, Art Deco and Bauhaus eras, the Szalon collection features works by Josef Hoffmann, Otto Wagner, Gustav Siegel and Dagobert Peche, as well as pieces by Hungary’s preeminent designer, Lajos Kozma.
Also on display are works by Hungary’s renowned ceramics manufacturer, Zsolnay, early Modernist film posters, French Art Deco glass, and much more. Many anonymous pieces will nevertheless impress visitors with their high-quality Hungarian design. Featuring clean, sensual lines, gorgeous native woods and fine detailing, Hungarian antiques combine indigenous motifs with medieval and eastern influences.
As Judith Hoffman confesses, “Starting the gallery wasn’t really a business decision. To acquaint people with this incredible culture is my mission!” To that end, Szalon is also the site of evening salons, intellectual soirées reminiscent of times past.