MIKÓ

A Creative Transylvanian Dynasty

The Mikó family held administrative, judicial, and military leadership positions in the Szekler Seat of Trei Scaune as early as the Middle Ages. With the rise of the Principality of Transylvania, their influence extended beyond local governance, as family members assumed prominent national offices. They served as trusted confidants, military officers, bodyguards, counselors, chief envoys, and high-ranking officials under Princes Andrew Báthory, Gabriel Bethlen, George Rákóczi I and II, and Michael Apafi. In recognition of their service and loyalty, the family was granted extensive estates across several Transylvanian counties and the Szekler Land. During the 18th century, the Mikó family remained steadfast in their allegiance to the Habsburg monarchs, a loyalty that earned them noble elevation: first, the Hăghig branch, and later, the Olțeni branch, attained the rank of Count, securing their place among Transylvania’s high aristocracy. This exhibition traces the family’s evolving roles across the centuries. Visitors will explore their medieval origins and the early land acquisitions that marked their ascent into the ranks of the Transylvanian nobility. Visitors will encounter the Mikó family in their many roles: as officials and military leaders, as princely envoys to the Ottoman Porte, as patrons of the church, as builders of grand estates, and ultimately, as exemplified by their most distinguished member, Emeric Mikó. A visionary institution builder, his death in 1876 marked the end of a lineage that had played a vital role in Transylvanian culture and public life for centuries.

The exhibition, created through the collaboration of more than ten public collections and ecclesiastical institutions, will be on display at the Haáz Rezső Museum until August 30. It will then be showcased at another location in Szekler Land, the Csíki Székely Museum.