The Essentia Artis: A Celebration of Contemporary Hungarian Art
From March 1 to May 10, 2025, the Pesti Vigadó in Budapest will host the Essentia Artis, an extensive multidisciplinary arts event showcasing the work of 400 contemporary Hungarian artists. This year’s exhibition, organized by the Hungarian Academy of Arts (MMA), promises to be the longest-running in the event’s history, spanning over two and a half months.
Exhibition Overview
The Essentia Artis serves as the culmination of the MMA’s 2024 Arts Scholarship Program, featuring works from artists under 50 years old across various disciplines. Visitors can explore creations in architecture, film and photography, literature, industrial and design arts, fine and folk arts, theater, music, and art theory.
Curated by iski Kocsis Tibor, Sipos Balázs, and Ferencz S. Apor, the exhibition offers a comprehensive view of the participating artists’ programs, intellectual and emotional backgrounds, and sources of inspiration. The main exhibition space is located on the 6th floor of the MMA headquarters.
Key Features
Multilingual Accessibility: For the first time, the exhibition caters to international visitors with English translations of exhibit texts available throughout the venue.
Thematic Days: The event includes four thematic days and a closing ceremony, featuring programs in various spaces within the Pesti Vigadó, including the Sinkovits Imre Chamber Theater, Makovecz Hall, and the Ceremonial Hall.
Free Admission: All programs are free to attend, but registration is required.
Highlighted Programs
Zenei svédasztal (Musical Smorgasbord) – March 7, 2025
This day focuses on music, offering a diverse range of performances:
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- Children’s folk music presentation by Sántha Emőke
- Chinese melodies performed by three children’s choirs
- Piano concerts by Bizják Dóra and Zentai Károly
- Violin performance by Miranda Liu and fellow musicians
- Jazz by the David Spischak Quartet
- Organ recital by Bátori István
- Classical guitar performance by Csáki András
- Composer’s evening featuring Dragony Tímea’s works
Válts fókuszt! (Change Focus!) – March 8, 2025
A day dedicated to visual arts and film:
- Set design workshop for children with Kern Orsolya
- Digital restoration demonstration by Bakonyi Tímea
- Portrait photography workshop with Bácsi Róbert
- Documentary photography discussion with Pictorial Collective members
- Presentation on award-winning Congo reportage by Hajdú D. András
- Film industry panel discussion on Véletlenül írtam egy könyvet
- Screening of Zurbó Dorottya’s documentary A boldogság ügynöke
FolkulTúra (FolkCulture) – March 28, 2025
Celebrating folk arts and traditions:
- Children’s storytelling with Benedekffy Katalin
- Folk art fashion show featuring works by various artists
- Traditional dance and music performances
- Live music dance house event
- Concert by folk singer Navratil Andrea, accompanied by sand animation
SzínpadOn (On Stage) – March 29, 2025
A day focused on theater and performing arts:
- Interactive storytelling for children by Zorkóczy Zenóbia
- Historical novel presentation by Zágoni Balázs
- Discussion on the intersection of theater and dance
- Object and puppet animation workshop by Turóczi Levente Ágoston
- Interactive set and costume design presentation by Nagy Viktória
- Dance performance featuring 152 dancers from four ensembles
- Hybrid performance combining dance, concert, and stand-up comedy by Csuzi Márton
- Opera and operetta concert with Benedekffy Katalin and Molnár Levente
Closing Ceremony – May 10, 2025
The Essentia Artis concludes with:
- Children’s activities
- Guided tours of the exhibition
- Concert by the Jávorkai Trio and Boros Misi
Additional Information
The opening ceremony for Essentia Artis will take place on February 28, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Pesti Vigadó. This event not only showcases the culmination of the MMA’s three-year scholarship program but also provides a platform for young artists to present their work to a wider audience.
The exhibition Őrizni – használni – teremteni (Preserve – Use – Create) on the 6th floor offers a comprehensive display of various art forms, including paintings, sculptures, theatrical costumes, glasswork, ceramics, architectural projects, animations, documentaries, and photographs.
By attending the Essentia Artis, visitors will gain insight into the vibrant contemporary Hungarian art scene, experiencing firsthand the creativity and innovation of the country’s emerging artists across multiple disciplines.