Katalin Karikó’s Artistic Mural Adorns Budapest’s Firewall

In a stunning tribute to one of Hungary’s most celebrated scientists, a giant mural depicting Katalin Karikó now graces a firewall in Budapest. The artwork, located on the side of a residential building at 40 Wesselényi Street in the city’s 7th district, showcases Karikó alongside another Nobel laureate, Ferenc Krausz. The mural bears the inscription, “As Hungarians, at the forefront of science, serving humanity.”

This is not the first time Karikó’s likeness has been immortalized on a grand scale. Another massive firewall painting of the world-renowned scientist overlooks the city of Szeged, where she is portrayed next to Albert Szent-Györgyi, another Hungarian Nobel laureate.

During the official unveiling ceremony of the “Wall of Nobel Laureates,” government spokesperson Eszter Vitályos emphasized, “Hungary is proud of the Hungarians who have achieved outstanding accomplishments.” She noted that both Karikó and Krausz share similar backgrounds, having started their journeys from small towns, studying in Hungary, thinking in Hungarian, and taking pride in their Hungarian heritage.

The mural, created using special, long-lasting paints, replaces a faded artwork commemorating the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Both Nobel laureates reviewed and approved the project’s visual plans. The Hungarian government supported the creation of the “Wall of Nobel Laureates,” with the Színes Város Group serving as the project’s executor and Péter Csuth as its designer.

Vitályos believes that the message displayed on the mural perfectly encapsulates the careers and work of both scientists. She stated, “Hungary is proud of the Hungarians who have achieved outstanding accomplishments,” adding that such a wall contributes to expressing recognition, enhancing the scientists’ reputations, and familiarizing both Hungarians and foreign visitors with their achievements.

The mural in Szeged, which covers an impressive 600 square meters, was completed in just four weeks under challenging weather conditions. Eight talented artists worked tirelessly to create the artwork, using 165 liters of paint, equivalent to 330 half-liter bottles of water. The painting was officially unveiled in December 2023 by Edvin Mihálik, a local government representative from Újszeged.

These awe-inspiring murals not only pay homage to the groundbreaking work of Katalin Karikó and other Hungarian scientists but also serve as a source of national pride and inspiration for future generations of innovators.

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