Is it an exaggeration to claim that this material world thrust into virtuality – with the ingenuity of the human mind in the background, of course – functions as living matter in its own intangible totality? A glowing, sizzling, undulating consciousness that, in its own defence, responds to the tradition-based questions posed by human culture with elemental force. Matter? A reality beyond matter? Tradition?

The exhibition presents a remarkable collection never before seen in Hungary, recently discovered by researchers. The focal point of the exhibition is a series of photographs showcasing traditional Hungarian folk attire from various regions and settlements, originally displayed at the 1862 International Exhibition in London. Thought to have been lost, the photographs by János Tiedge have been loaned from the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

András Mengyán, a distinguished artist, designer, and professor, is a leading figure in Hungarian visual and applied arts, having been awarded the prestigious Prima Primissima Prize in 2024.

The exhibition presents the landmarks in the oeuvre of Agnes Denes through representative series of graphic and photographic works, drawings, photo documentations and videos. Visitors can see some 60 works by the Hungarian-born American artist, who is one of the defining figures of international contemporary art.

Who are the Székelys really? What do we know about Székely Land? What ideas and beliefs do we have about the Székely people? What is the reality? How do the people of Székely Land see themselves?

By staging this joint exhibition, the Museum of Ethnography and the Museum of the Hungarian Parliament pay tribute to the memory of the great Hungarian polymath Ottó Herman on the occasion of the 190th anniversary of his birth and the 110th anniversary of his death.