Budapest Contemporary is more than just an exhibition. It's a vibrant hub that brings together art enthusiasts of all kinds. Collectors, artists, galleries, and the general public can all connect, learn, and be inspired. Alongside the main exhibition, there will be a range of engaging events, including art conferences, educational programs for all ages, and guided tours.
30 national galleries for the general public and art collectors
This major event caters to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the art world. 30 Hungarian galleries will be showcasing their collections, all rigorously vetted by a team of experts to ensure exceptional quality. Be prepared to discover breathtaking paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations – some valued at millions of forints – alongside captivating and affordable pieces accessible to a wider audience.
"Our goal is to offer a comprehensive overview of Hungary's dynamic contemporary art scene. We want to showcase only high-quality works and galleries, so a professional committee meticulously vets all participants, ensuring exceptional standards," explains Ádám Tausz, the main organiser.
Several Hungarian galleries are showcasing exceptional works at this year's Budapest Contemporary. Nemes Gallery presents Lukewarm Water, a 1973 oil painting by László Méhes, considered a masterpiece of Hungarian hyperrealism. Kálmán Makláry Fine Arts features contemporary South Korean artists, with a curated selection for the fair. Vintage Gallery highlights a work by Vera Molnar, while Deák Erika Gallery showcases Zsófi Barabás's art. Einspach & Czapolai Fine Art adds a Nádler István painting to its collection. You can read more about the Hungarian exhibitors here.
Foreign galleries, genuine treasures
Alongside the impressive lineup of Hungarian galleries, Budapest Contemporary features a curated selection of 12 international galleries. Representing Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Slovakia, and the Netherlands, these galleries showcase a diverse range of contemporary art, curated by Márton Nemes, an exhibiting artist in the Pavilion of Hungary of this year's 60th Venice Biennale.
One of the most captivating pieces on display is Wim Delvoye's Caterpillar (2004). This unique artwork transforms a caterpillar-tracked machine into a Gothic cathedral, a testament to Delvoye's innovative approach to art. Estimated to be worth between HUF 50 and 100 million, Caterpillar is a true highlight of the international exhibition. Among the highlights of the international exhibition is I'll Face Each Day with a Smile (2024), a captivating work by the acclaimed French artist Amélie Bertrand. This painting will be showcased at Budapest Contemporary before making its way to the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris this October. Bertrand's work will be displayed alongside the iconic paintings of Monet, creating a unique and inspiring juxtaposition. The international stand at Budapest Contemporary features a diverse range of renowned artists from around the world. Alongside Amélie Bertrand, you'll find works by Adel Abdessemed, Omar Ba, Igor Hosnedl, Gerold Miller, Jonny Niesche, and more.
Collectively, these artworks represent a staggering value of EUR 1 million, or approximately HUF 400 million. You can read more about the foreign exhibitors here.
From conferences to guided tours
In addition to the conferences on Art Law, or The Future and Usefulness of Corporate Collections, Budapest Contemporary offers a range of guided tours for visitors of all ages. Art historians Blanka Bán and Dóra Lovass will lead adult tours, providing insightful commentary on the artworks and exhibitions. For children, museum educators Beatrix Csiszár, Éva Bada (co-owners of the KÉPEZŐ Gallery), and Anna Hárs will offer engaging and educational experiences. Details can be found here.
Tickets for adult guided tours are available here, while children under 18 can enjoy the program for free!
Hungarian galleries participating in the BCT:
acb Galéria, Ancora Contemporary Gallery, Balatonfüredi Modern Műtár/Szöllősi-Nagy-Nemes Gyűjtemény, Deák Erika Galéria, Einspach & Czapolai Fine Art, Faur Zsófi Galéria, Galeria Neon, Gallery East of Eden, Heart and Cherry, Horizont Galéria, Horn Péter Gyűjtemény, INDA Galéria, Initio Arts & Design, Kálmán Makláry Fine Arts, KÉPEZŐ Galéria, Kisterem, Molnár Ani Galéria, NACO, Nemes Galéria Budapest, ResidentArt, Rechnitzer Galéria, Szikra Galéria, The Space, TOBE Galéria, Várfok Galéria, VILTIN Galéria, Vintage Galéria, Zsdrál Art Kortárs Művészeti Galéria
Artists from the BCT international stand:
Kristína BUKOVČÁKOVÁ (COMMA Gallery, Bratislava), Emir ŠEHANOVIĆ (Eugster Belgrade), Anne NEUKAMP (Gregor Podnar, Vienna), Igor HOSNEDL (Hunt Kastner, Prague), Anna HULAČOVÁ (Hunt Kastner, Prague), Eva KOŤÁTKOVÁ (Hunt Kastner, Prague), Yann HOURI (Marian Cramer Projects, Amsterdam), Christian HOLZE (Reiter Galleries, Berlin/Leipzig), Amélie BERTRAND (Semiose, Paris), Salvatore ARANCIO (Semiose, Paris), Jina PARK (Steinhauser Gallery, Bratislava), Crocodile POWER (Steinhauser Gallery, Bratislava), Tim FREIWALD (Walter Storms Galerie, München), Peter KRAUSKOPF (Walter Storms Galerie, München), Gerold MILLER (Walter Storms Galerie, München/Wentrup Gallery, Berlin), Adel ABDESSEMED (Wilde Gallery, Geneva/Basel/Zürich), Omar BA (Wilde Gallery, Geneva/Basel/Zürich), Daniel CANOGAR (Wilde Gallery, Geneva/Basel/Zürich), Wim DELVOYE (Wilde Gallery, Geneva/Basel/Zürich), Rafael LOZANO-HEMMER (Wilde Gallery, Geneva/Basel/Zürich), Jonny NIESCHE (Zeller van Almsick, Vienna)
Budapest Contemporary – International Art Fair
Event details
(Cover photo: Csenki Bianka)
