Sós Aladár és Sós Júlia Plaque

Who lived within these very walls? Let me introduce you to the Sós Aladár és Sós Júlia Plaque. This plaque commemorates the lives of architect Aladár Sós (1887-1975) and his daughter, teacher Júlia Sós (1923-1968). The Sós Aladár és Sós Júlia Plaque, placed here in 1993 by the Budapest City Council, whispers stories of creativity, social activism, and familial bonds. Aladár, born Schwarz Aladár Sámuel, changed his name in 1912. He may have dreamed of being a visual artist but ultimately earned his architecture degree from Budapest’s university in 1910. He contributed to significant projects like the Ritz Hotel and Gerbeaud House even before graduating. His architectural journey led him across Hungary and beyond, from the Palić spa resort to city halls, cultural palaces, and theaters in various cities. Here in Budapest, the second wing of the National Social Insurance Institute stands as a testament to his collaborative work with Marcel Komor and Dezső Jakab, earning him the Lechner Ödön Award in 1934. Aladár wasn’t just an architect. He was a member of the Galilei Circle, a group known for intellectual and social discourse. He was also a member of the Radical Party and served in the Ministry of Transport. Júlia, following in her father’s footsteps of social engagement, became a respected teacher and sociologist. She taught at various high schools, including the Árpád High School in the 1960s. She became a prominent figure in educational sociology, studying the lives and working conditions of teachers. Her published works, including “Student Years, Student Fates” and posthumously published “The Life and Work of Teachers,” continue to resonate in the educational field. The Sós Aladár és Sós Júlia Plaque serves not only as a remembrance of these two individuals but as a window into a dynamic period of Hungarian history. It speaks of the intertwining of family, profession, and social impact within the vibrant backdrop of 20th-century Budapest.