The villa of painter György Kádár is today a versatile exhibition space
MúzeumCafé 40.
The former home and studio of the artists György Kádár and Mária Túry in Budapest’s Széher Road has been open to the public since 2005. The refashioned spaces of the house were created by their daughter, who spared neither time nor money to realise her dream. Thus was born the Gallery Lénia, a museum permanently displaying works representing the productive lives of her parents and an exhibition space for contemporary artists, which also functions as a commercial gallery. Kossuth and Munkácsy Prize-winning György Kádár (1912–2001) boldly experimented with different artistic techniques and genres. His early expressive, figurative compositions preceded sculptural depictions of workers, then from the 1970s abstract still lifes and landscapes. He also created poster designs, book illustrations, mosaics and stained glass windows, while as a teacher at the academy he nurtured the talents of future generations. The twice Munkácsy Prize-winning painter Mária Túry (1930–1992) was no ‘over sentimental’ painter, rather the resolution of artistic problems and a variety of genres characterise her works. She experimented with enamel glazing, firing her smaller works in her own kiln. In addition she produced countless drawings, paintings, etchings, linocuts, tapestries, mosaics and wood marquetry. Their daughter, Katalin Kádár (b. 1951) graduated as a designer and graphic artist, but in addition to posters, book illustrations and graphic series, in recent years she has turned to painting and photography. The family home was built between 1959 and 1961. With its huge glass surfaces and angular designs it was considered a modern building for its time. A lofty studio was established on the upper floor. With its especially high ceiling and huge windows allowing light to stream in, it is a perfect place for works to be exhibited.