Portrait of an art collecting prince
MúzeumCafé 3.
Recent large-scale exhibitions in Budapest leave no doubt that a new era is beginning in the life of Hungarian museums and in the relation between public collections and visitors. Not only has the number of visitors rocketed, but the role of museums has also begun to be reconsidered in terms of mediating and promoting national cultural heritage. This role is not only changing in Hungary but is also visible abroad. An example is given by Compiègne, France, and a Hungarian prince, Miklós Esterházy II. Previously, Hungarian collections played a secondary role in significant international projects, but recently they have initiated and become equal players in organizing imposing cross-border projects. In this way they can demonstrate the value of works in both public and private collections, and make others aware of a tradition not simply in a different way but also by readjusting, so to say, ‘the derailed wheel of time’ they become a part of the tradition.