Through the Eyes of a Mannerist: Georg Baselitz’s Extraordinary Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts Budapest
Experience world-class art in the heart of Budapest
For travelers seeking culture and creativity, the Museum of Fine Arts Budapest (Szépművészeti Múzeum) offers one of the city’s most rewarding experiences. This season, the museum presents a stunning exhibition titled Through the Eyes of a Mannerist, showcasing nearly 150 prints from the private collection of the internationally acclaimed German artist Georg Baselitz. On view until March 15, 2026, the show invites visitors to rediscover the dramatic elegance and emotional depth of 16th-century Mannerist art.
Georg Baselitz: artist, visionary, and collector
Known for his bold, expressive paintings and sculptures, Georg Baselitz has also spent more than sixty years as a passionate art collector. His obsession? Mannerist prints—masterful works that emerged in the late Renaissance, when artists began experimenting with distortion, movement, and emotional tension instead of perfect balance and harmony.
In the 1960s, collecting Mannerist art was far from fashionable, yet Baselitz followed his instinct. Over the decades, he assembled one of the world’s most significant collections of prints from this fascinating era. The Budapest exhibition brings together his favorites, revealing how his creative vision resonates deeply with the experimental spirit of the Mannerists.
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A meeting of past and present
Curated by art historian Eszter Kardos, Through the Eyes of a Mannerist highlights the dialogue between Baselitz’s personal collection and the Museum of Fine Arts’ own monumental holdings of Renaissance and Mannerist prints. The exhibition includes works by Parmigianino, Andrea Schiavone, Hendrick Goltzius, and Lucas Cranach the Elder, alongside the rare creations of the Fontainebleau engravers—Antonio Fantuzzi, Léon Davent, and Geoffroy Dumonstier—and the intriguing chiaroscuro woodcuts of Ugo da Carpi, Antonio da Trento, and Domenico Beccafumi.
The result is an enthralling visual journey through the creative imagination of a movement that redefined beauty itself—and through the eyes of a contemporary artist who sees himself as part of that same tradition.
Don’t miss these other major exhibitions
While visiting the Museum of Fine Arts, take the opportunity to explore several other unmissable exhibitions that make Budapest one of Europe’s top cultural destinations:
- William Blake: Marriage of Heaven and Hell – A Revolutionary Art Exhibition in Budapest
Step into the visionary world of the English poet, painter, and printmaker William Blake. This extraordinary show presents Blake’s mystical illustrations and illuminated books, offering a rare glimpse into one of the most original minds in European art history. Combining spirituality, rebellion, and imagination, this exhibition is a must-see for anyone fascinated by the intersection of art and literature. - Guardians of Eternity: China’s Terracotta Warriors Come to Budapest
Travel back over two thousand years to the Qin Dynasty with this awe-inspiring exhibition featuring the legendary Terracotta Army. Life-sized warriors, horses, and exquisite artifacts from China’s First Emperor’s tomb bring history vividly to life. It’s a remarkable cultural encounter that bridges continents — and an unforgettable experience for history lovers visiting Budapest. - Permanent collections to explore
Beyond these headline shows, the museum houses masterpieces by Titian, Velázquez, El Greco, and Monet. You can also explore the Ancient Egypt galleries, where mummies, statues, and everyday objects reveal the mysteries of one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
A celebration of art across centuries
From the revolutionary visions of William Blake to the eternal guardians of China’s ancient empire and Georg Baselitz’s unique exploration of Mannerism, the Museum of Fine Arts Budapest is the place where worlds meet — past and present, East and West, reason and imagination. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a curious traveler, or simply seeking inspiration during your Budapest stay, this museum promises an experience that will stay with you long after your visit.
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