On October 10, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of Hungary proudly inaugurated an exciting new permanent exhibition at the Ethnography Museum. This impressive collection is the largest to date, offering a unique opportunity for the general public to engage with Hungary's rich cultural heritage starting the very next day. Don't miss your chance to explore this extraordinary showcase!
Step into an expansive exhibition space of nearly 3,000 square meters, where you can immerse yourself in over 3,600 captivating works of art across eight engaging thematic units. This remarkable new exhibition, showcasing both Hungarian and international masterpieces, occupies an area three times larger than the Kossuth Square building and enhances the public spaces of the museum, promising an unforgettable experience for all visitors.
The Ethnographic Museum stands as one of Europe's most distinguished thematic museums, and with its newly completed building in 2022, it has become one of the leading modern ethnographic institutions globally. Home to an impressive collection of 232,000 ethnographic objects, the museum also boasts unique photographs, manuscripts, folk music, and film recordings. Here, visitors can explore invaluable artifacts that capture the essence of Hungarian folk culture, alongside the region's most extensive ethnographic materials from diverse cultures worldwide. This remarkable collection vividly illustrates the rich tapestry of everyday life, human experiences, and community relations from the 17th century to today.
The museum's new building, nearly three times the size of its former location on Kossuth Square, provides an unprecedented opportunity to showcase these exceptional Hungarian and international treasures. The newly designed collection exhibition extends its impact beyond conventional display spaces, enriching the entire building and elevating the visitor experience. Guests will encounter vibrant colors and innovative materials, beautifully arranged grand spaces, comfortable resting areas, and engaging multimedia applications and services, making every visit an unforgettable journey through culture and history.
About the Exhibition:
The exhibition opening today marks a remarkable milestone as the fifth permanent display in the museum's rich history. This groundbreaking showcase empowers the institution to present its extensive knowledge, experience, and collection in a modern, interactive format that resonates with today's visitors. Designed during the annual history event, this new permanent exhibition features not only extraordinary artefacts but also an innovative approach that captivates and engages. The museum's team has thoroughly researched numerous ethnographic and themed exhibitions worldwide, but this unique project stands as a testament to the exceptional creativity and commitment to excellence that defines Hungarian ethnographic museology. Experience this unprecedented exhibition and discover the depth of our cultural heritage like never before!
The exhibition is rooted in the institution's collection, which has been expanding for over 150 years. This experience invites you to engage deeply with the knowledge embodied in the museum's diverse Hungarian and international artifacts, each telling a unique story that sparks reflection. Rather than merely showcasing standout pieces, the exhibition empowers you to explore the distinctiveness of each object and its narrative through innovative and detailed presentations. Rich in data and insight, this exhibition acts as a vibrant kaleidoscope, offering a dynamic and colorful perspective of the world that shifts with each visitor's gaze. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this truly transformative journey!
The exhibition, thoughtfully organized into eight engaging themes, invites visitors on a journey through evolving perspectives. Rather than presenting a singular narrative, it offers an opportunity to discover the richness of Hungarian traditions alongside the diverse cultures of other peoples. This immersive experience highlights the life of the artifacts within the collection, showcases the dedicated fieldwork of our specialists, and delves into the history of the museum itself. You'll encounter the exquisite gems of folk art and understand their significant impact on cultural heritage.
As you explore, you’ll uncover the intricate connections between art, ethnography, prehistoric research, and the concept of heritage. Beyond the material treasures—like Matyó aprons, Székely clothing, Oceanian death masks, and fishing tools from the Lower Danube—this exhibition confronts and deepens our understanding of the complex relationship we share with our heritage. Join us in experiencing this captivating exploration!
The collection's permanent exhibition is a powerful testament to the intricate narratives woven into the objects it houses. These items transcend the stereotypes typically associated with them, conveying a profound connection between people and their possessions. As we delve into the stories of 18th-century bridal chests, we witness the rich history of families unfolding through generations. Imagine the serendipity of a Khanty shaman's commemorative figure being reunited with a relative who lived more than a century later, now sharing space in the museum. This prompts us to reflect: what happens to our understanding when we view ethnographic treasures solely as works of art, detaching them from their original purposes?
Visitors will encounter awe-inspiring artifacts with captivating histories, like the 170 kg Mayan ruling stele, crafted in 731. This remarkable piece was discovered in the 1930s, tragically stolen in the 1960s, mutilated, and eventually brought to Budapest through an official artifact exchange. Moreover, the exhibition will showcase objects from the Khanty and Mansi peoples, collected by Antal Reguly in the 1840s. After years in the National Museum, this significant material was inventoried in 1872 by János Xántus, the inaugural head of the Ethnographic Museum. Among his invaluable collections is a Japanese lantern, marked with the very first inventory number, which will also grace the exhibition, inviting visitors to explore the complex stories these objects tell.
Discover a world of culture at the exhibition, where you can journey from Kalotaszeg to Africa alongside Béla Bartók, who passionately collected folk music with a phonograph, Lajos Bíró, an explorer of Oceania, and István Györffy, a researcher of archaic folk traditions. Step back in time to experience the atmosphere of the first permanent exhibition of the Ethnographic Museum from 1898 and immerse yourself in the unique ambiance of the Ethnographic Village showcased at the Millennium National Exhibition.
Marvel at Hungary's iconic landmarks and admire some of the country's finest folk art treasures. With a variety of engaging multimedia tools at your fingertips, you'll have the opportunity to delve deep into dynamic collections of moving images, photographs, and folk music. Join us for an unforgettable experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of culture and history!
The exhibition is designed to captivate not just dedicated adult visitors but also engage young children. Meet Barka the cat and Buga the dog, the charming permanent characters of the collection exhibition. They guide small children through the most captivating elements of the exhibition, making it an adventure filled with delightful discoveries and entertaining situations. Kids can effortlessly immerse themselves in the world of special masterpieces and intriguing objects alongside their new furry friends.
Barka and Buga will shine as the stars of regularly scheduled weekend family sessions, inviting families to join in the fun. Plus, you can follow their exciting exhibition escapades in the soon-to-be-released family exhibition guide.
By unveiling this new permanent exhibition at the Museum of Ethnography, Hungary has created a vibrant cultural space that fosters connections among diverse cultures, generations, and traditions. This initiative not only enriches our community but also contributes to shaping a nation with a strong, unified identity. Don't miss out on experiencing this cultural gem!