Today a sad sight on focal Rákóczi út, the originally named Divatcsarnok (‘Fashion Hall’) was the first actual department store in Budapest with textiles and cheaper materials. For those coming into Keleti station, it was a familiar sight. After the Divatcsarnok moved to the prestigious Párisi Department Store on Andrássy út in the 1960s, the Otthon Áruház took over its home-design remit to cater to those living in communal apartments and standard housing.
There could not be a more suitable location for an exhibition about the housing crisis. After all, this neglected space guards the memory of an era when people were housed, people who would have little chance today. Rents have gone through the roof – those who have no inheritance, family support or who don’t earn a decent salary are in an impossible position.
In this socio-economic situation, the only option is to raise awareness. The OTTHON culture project has been created by 13 young artists reflecting on their own experiences, their relationship to their living space and the difficulties caused by the housing crisis, based on their own experience. The exhibition has been curated by the Hungarian University of Fine Arts (MKE) and this, the students’ diploma project, is the result of ten months’ work.
Housing loans, the problems of living at home and sustainability issues are also reflected in the exhibited works. The most interesting part illustrates an old theatre warehouse in District XIV that architecture students of renowned design college MOME have transformed into a space for community use. The concept calls for these small units, suitable for young families and those just starting their careers, would be awarded for a maximum of five years through a tendering procedure and would be maintained by the municipality.
Access to the Otthon Áruház is via Alsó erdősor utca, during exhibition opening hours only, 2pm-7pm, through Friday 24 May. Visitors may peruse the ground floor but may not venture upstairs.
District VII. Rákóczi út 74-76 More details here
