Budapest, the artistic heaven of Hungary

Theculturetrip.com reports that Budapest is the city where the diverse artistic style of Hungary is the most palpable and the varied artistic palette of the country can be witnessed. From the paintings decorating the old buildings to the sculptures displayed in museums, you can find everything needed. Furthermore, you will also be amazed by the innumerable cultural opportunities present in the capital. Let’s check out some of these places to visit in Budapest.

1. The Hungarian National Gallery

The museum, located in the Buda Castle, presents the historical progress of Hungarian art. Here, you can find documents from the 11th century onwards including Medieval and Renaissance pieces as well, but the collection would not be complete without the present day pieces made by well-known Hungarian artists, like Károly Ferenczy and József Rippl-Rónai. All sorts of different genres are present in the gallery from Baroque to Realism. If you are interested in the history and in the development of Hungarian art, this is a must place to visit.

2. The street art of Budapest

Street art is becoming more and more widespread in Budapest, as there are great initiatives that change the image of the capital and transform the old and dilapidated buildings into pieces of art.

Neopaint Works, the collaboration of a number of street and graffiti artists, has made some extremely great murals in District 7, while another initiative, operating since 2008, called Színes Város (Colorful City) was created with the purpose of popularising street art and making it more accessible to everyone.

A good idea might be to take a walk in the Jewish district that is decorated with some stunning paintings, or to visit the capital during the Színes Város festival in September, where you can witness how artists work on the paintings.

facebook/Színes Város –Ruben Sanchez

Photo by Bence Czigelmajer

3. Várfok Gallery

Initially, this gallery was a private institution established shortly after the fall of the Communist regime in 1989. Its major aim is to support contemporary Hungarian art, but it also provides assistance to aspiring artists. A great advantage of the gallery is that the entrance is free. It is highly recommended to visit for its outstanding collection and for its status of being one of the 1st Hungarian galleries that promoted contemporary works right after the collapse of the regime.

4. Müpa (Palace of Arts) Budapest

When it comes to art, it is not only paintings and statues that come to one’s mind, but cultural events, as well. The Müpa established in 2006 gives home to cultural events like musical performances, contemporary circus and dance shows.

By encouraging already recognised and aspiring talents as well, Müpa aims to maintain the importance of the Hungarian art on a national and international level.

From the more serious symphony orchestra performances to dance shows and programmes particularly addressed to children, you can find everything needed to immerse yourself into the world of art.

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5. Budapest Art Factory

Located in the northern part of Budapest in an industrial area, Budapest Art Factory is home to a group of professional artists. It is an art studio and an exhibition place for contemporary artists since 2006. The studio, also known for its residency programme, offers a wide variety of further events during the whole year.

facebook/Budapest ART Factory

6. The Budapest Hall of Art

The neo-Renaissance building is where a great amount of contemporary works are displayed. The museum is similar to a kunsthalle (art gallery) and providing that it operates as a non-profit organisation, the displayed exhibitions regularly change. Not only Hungarian, but internationally recognised artists can be also found. The museum, built in 1896, also organises events and workshops for visitors.

wikicommons by Lóránd Péter

7. The Polish Institute

The Institute can be found on Andrássy Avenue and was founded 78 years ago. It is one of the oldest foreign institutions in the country. Besides the promotion of Polish culture in Hungary, it also emphasizes the collaboration between Hungarian and Polish artists and thus, it provides exhibitions where the representatives of both nationalities are present.

If you find pleasure in art, you migh also find the annual art festivals in Budapest great programmes to participate in. The Festival of Folk Arts is organised in August and attracts folk artists from all over the country. Besides the live music and the dance performances offered by the artists, Hungarian craftsmen display typical Hungarian works, such as embroidery, egg painting and pottery. It has such a unique atmosphere that besides the chance of getting a glimpse of what art means to Hungarians, you could also enjoy yourself and buy some souvenirs.

facebook/Mesterségek Ünnepe

If you, however, plan to visit Budapest in October, do not miss the CAFe Budapest Contemporary Arts Festival, the collaboration of Müpa Budapest, Budapest Festival and Tourism Centre. By offering design workshops, theatre premieres and dance performances, you can find many programmes to choose from during your stay.

So, what do you say? Are you eager to get to know better the Hungarian places and events of art? No matter which ones you choose, it is guaranteed that you would not be disappointed 🙂

Featured image: pixabay

Source: theculturetrip.com