Mihály Munkácsy was one of the most successful European painters of the 19th century. Beyond Hungary, he gained fame in France, Germany, and the United States – even during his lifetime. His works were widely exhibited and highly sought after by international collectors. Today, some of his paintings can still be found in major international museums like the Musée d'Orsay in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. His monumental Christ Trilogy (Christ Before Pilate, Ecce Homo!, and Golgotha) also remains an iconic series in Christian religious art.
Now, you can admire Munkácsy's masterpieces – or get to know his work if you haven't before – at the stunning Museum of Fine Arts. A large-scale exhibition, opened last November, marks the 180th anniversary of his birth and the 125th anniversary of his passing. Featuring more than a hundred artworks, archival photographs, documents, and cultural objects, the exhibition offers deeper insight into the life, achievements and rich oeuvre of one of Hungary's most celebrated painters.
We've seen it and loved it – so we highly recommend a visit. Your best bet is to go on a weekday (and from 10 March, Mondays are an option too). If you prefer weekends, go early – as early as 9 am – because later in the day, queues tend to snake down the museum stairs.
'Munkácsy – Story of a worldwide sensation' is running until 30 March. Details here and tickets here.
(Cover photo: Kata Major - We Love Budapest)
