World Press Photo Exhibition at the Biodome
This exhibition is a must-see for those appreciating the world of photography and journalism. The annual World Press Photo travelling exhibition revisits the biggest news of the past year by portraying the many milestones through striking photojournalism. The collection will be on view between September 20th and October 27th at a very special location: the Zoo's magnificent Biodome.
Details here.
Reversed Objects at Ludwig Museum
The Ludwig Museum's exhibition, running from September 6th to November 24th, delves into a fascinating question: why and how have traditional craft techniques made a comeback in contemporary art? To explore this, the exhibit presents around 300 artworks, including Picasso's ceramic plate series and the late Eszter Ágnes Szabó's famous wall hanging, featuring her grandmother and David Bowie — a piece that's become a bit of a meme. Expect to see familiar techniques like crochet, embroidery, and basket weaving, but with a twist — these aren't your typical crafts. They've been creatively reimagined and revived in modern, innovative forms. Over the past 10-15 years, these techniques have taken on a fresh role in contemporary art.
Details here.
Keep Smiling at POP&ROLL Art Gallery
Right next to Budapest's Madame Tussauds, a new pop-art gallery is showcasing works by seven Hungarian artists, all inspired by a pop culture icon—the iconic yellow smiley face. The exhibition, which opened on September 13th, runs until November 10th and, best of all, it's free! While the smiley motif has been around for a while, the version we all know and love — the one that became a meme and the basis for modern emojis —served as the creative starting point for the artists. This version was designed back in 1963 by graphic artist Harvey Ross Ball, as a cheerful symbol for the Worcester-based State Mutual Life Assurance company. Today, the smiley has become a part of our everyday lives.
Details here.
Phantom Vision at the Light Art Museum
Opened in September in the unique building of the Hold utca market, Light Art Museum's Phantom Vision invites you to step through the automatic door from the bright street into a darkened space. This transition is akin to journeying into a deeper layer of your mind, a subterranean world where you'll encounter cutting-edge issues like the climate crisis, internet addiction, tree communication, and the latest breakthroughs in brain research.
Details here and tickets here.
Pixel and Folklore at the Hungarian Heritage House
If you're curious about Hungarian folk art and photography in the 21st century, check out the new exhibition at the stunning Hungarian Heritage House on the Buda side. What ties together the renowned photographers featured in the Pixel and Folklore exhibition is their shared fascination with portraying traditions in the present day. Alongside photography legends like Péter Korniss and Béla Kása, rising stars from the younger generation, such as Tamás Farbaky and Zsófia Mohos, also make their mark. The exhibit showcases a wide range of styles, revealing the beauty of living traditions that thrive through renewal — a concept perfectly captured by the ever-evolving medium of photography. Curated by photo historian Klára Szarka, the exhibition runs from October 10th to December 18th.
Details here.
365 Oldtimer Exhibition
The museum offers an exceptionally rich and diverse collection, showcasing the variety of the automotive industry while also placing a strong emphasis on education. The 365 Oldtimer Exhibition boasts three cars that are one-of-a-kind worldwide. The oldest vehicle in the collection, the Renault Skiff Labourdette Carrose, that's 110 years old. Also on display is a 1926 Ford T model truck, created by József Galamb, once used to sell ice in America and which eventually became a cornerstone of the automotive industry. The exhibition includes a cinema and a unique educational centre, which presents the historical development of car manufacturing over the past 100 years. Special attention is given to Hungarian pioneers who played key roles in advancing and improving the automotive industry on a global scale over the past decades.
Details here.
Claude Monet – The Immersive Experience
Whether you're a fan of the master of Impressionism or just looking for a special experience (and maybe a great date idea), mark your calendar! Starting October 17th, an exciting Monet exhibition is opening in Budapest, promising a display like no other. The excitement lies in the fact that it's a 360° digital experience, where you can fully immerse yourself in a stunning sound and light show spread across 2,000 m². The exhibition runs until March 2025 at BOK Csarnok.
Details here and tickets here.
Frida Kahlo – Her Photos at Mai Manó House
With 241 images the public has never laid eyes on, this new Frida Kahlo exhibition at the Mai Manó House gives you a rare peek into the family's most intimate moments. Curator Pablo Ortiz Monasterio, a photographer and expert in Mexican photography, handpicked the newly discovered photographs to create the 'Her Photos' exhibition. They showcase various periods of her life and the important people who shaped it. Whether you're a Frida Kahlo fan or a photography enthusiast, this special showcase is not one to miss.
Details here.
Shine! – Time for Jewellery at the Hungarian National Museum
Tucked between Astoria and Kálvin tér, the Hungarian National Museum is an attraction not to miss when you're in Budapest. It's a true architectural and cultural gem, where beyond an impressive permanent collection, there's always something fresh to see. Starting October 19th, the brand new 'Shine! – Time for Jewellery' exhibition will showcase an impressive array of jewellery from ancient times to the present day. You'll not only admire stunning pieces but also discover the fascinating stories behind them, revelaing meajings far beyond their beauty.
Get your ticket in advance until October 18th with a 10% discount here.
Godot Art Expo 2024
From October 23rd to November 3rd, Hungary's largest fair showcasing young artists will be held at the Godot Contemporary Art Institute. Over 100 emerging talents will display their latest works, available at investment prices. This is a fantastic opportunity to purchase unique pieces at discounted rates while supporting the careers of up-and-coming artists. Adding to the excitement, the Godot Gallery's private room will feature works from renowned Hungarian artists such as Imre Bak, drMáriás, El Kazovszkij, Attila Szűcs, Péter Ujházi, and Alexander Tinei.
Details here.
(Cover photo: András Zombori - Ludwig Museum)
