Museum and civil coalition for Galanta Mansion MúzeumCafé 39. author: Kálmán Varga, historian, monument protection specialist “Let’s unite to save our neo-Gothic mansion!” Thus says the Galanta Neo-Gothic Mansion Civil Association’s website (http://hu.nkga.sk). Two years ago, local museum director József Keppert initiated a civil movement and, with the establishment of a non-profit association, action began to support “the complete renovation of the long-since unused monument”. In itself this is no unique […]
3D virtual integration for museums and exhibitions MúzeumCafé 39. author: Ilona Győrfi, Csaba Legány, József Vajda Every day the information technology revolution of our times confronts us with the multifaceted world and brings humanity’s cultural heritage closer as a visual experience. Hungary’s World Heritage sites, museums and exhibitions can be visited not only in person but also virtually. For this, the best means in today’s IT environment is the 3D integrated […]
Unveiled secrets of paintings The role of restoration in the identification of individual works of art – When a painting itself reveals its special technique of creation MúzeumCafé 39. author: Miklós Móré, restorer During my five decades of work as a restorer, in addition to my activities in the Museum of Fine Arts [see the interview with the author in MúzeumCafé No. 19 – Ed.] I have also been commissioned with many tasks by different museums. In addition, I have worked as a specialist for the National Monuments […]
In which of Hungary’s museums and with what kind of exhibitions might it be possible to appropriately commemorate the great historical anniversaries being marked in 2014? MúzeumCafé 39. Archaeologist István Gedai, former director of the Hungarian National Museum and vice-president of the National Memorial Site Commemorative Committee, believes anniversaries provide us with the opportunity to recall significant historical events as well as personalities. Historian László Csorba, director of the Hungarian National Museum, is glad the question is raised, since it makes it […]
Stars, horses and plaques, or what is an award worth if it goes to a museum? Recognizing the Hungarian museum profession MúzeumCafé 39. author: Marianna Berényi Last year professional organisations and institutions nominated just four people for the Ferenc Móra Prize. The prize, awarded to museum professionals for their work in museums on 20 August each year, is the most important state distinction, so the lack of more candidates was a surprise. This raises the question as to whether the prestige […]
“Our special features lie hidden in centuries-old collections” Interview with Zoltán Korsós, new director-general of the Hungarian Natural History Museum MúzeumCafé 38. author: Éva Marton After a period of difficulties, it seems the fate of the Hungarian Natural History Museum is assured. Since December 2011 the spectre of again having to move has been haunting the museum. Although the National University of Public Service took possession of the Orczy Garden, the museum, in contrast with a previous plan, will not […]
“I don’t know why we historians are so coy” Applied arts historian Éva Csenkey on the Zsolnay heritage MúzeumCafé 38. author: Emőke Gréczi Éva Csenkey worked for 13 years in Pécs, dealing with ceramics and contemporary sculpture. She got to know the Zsolnay descendants, but still didn’t feel inclined to be more deeply involved with Zsolnay products. At the Museum of Applied Arts an almost casually-allocated task and a commission from an Italian museum director brought a turnaround […]
The Louvre’s eternal lover Pierre Rosenberg, the Louvre’s former director-general MúzeumCafé 38. author: Orsolya Radványi, art historian From 1994 to 2001 as the director-general, he continued and completed the work begun by his predecessors. Approaching his late 70s, he still works with youthful enthusiasm. Writing books, conceiving and initiating exhibitions, stimulating research, Pierre Rosenberg is a living legend of French art history. With his inevitable red scarf around his neck, he appears […]
A smallholder painter’s dwelling and studio shrine Past and future of the Lajos Kunffy Memorial Museum in Somogytúr MúzeumCafé 38. author: Emőke Gréczi It is said that Lajos Kunffy was a competent painter, but not an outstanding one. Yet that image changes as soon as you encounter the Kunffy Villa in Somogytúr. The place reveals Kunffy to be a virtuoso master. Memorial houses generally present a small slice of a lifetime’s oeuvre. It also often happens that between […]
There is always something new under the earth This year in spring Aquincum became a Museum of the Year MúzeumCafé 38. author: Nóra Vágvölgyi Busi The documented history of Budapest begins with a Roman settlement, Aquincum. A Roman garrison was established on the right bank of the Danube around the year 89 and it remained the military centre of Lower Pannonia until the end of the 4th century. The first significant archaeological excavations took place in 1778. Later the uncovered […]