The Museum of Applied Arts Budapest: Art Nouveau – A Hungarian Perspective

The Museum of Applied Arts in Budapest is a renowned institution dedicated to the study and exhibition of decorative arts and design. Founded in 1872, the museum houses one of the most impressive collections of applied arts in the world, featuring Hungarian and international works from various historical periods, including ceramics, furniture, glass, and more. Since 2018, the museum is undergoing renovations at its main building on Üllői út, but a significant part of its collection is still available to the public at the György Ráth Villa through a fascinating permanent exhibition: Art Nouveau – A Hungarian Perspective.

Art Nouveau – A Hungarian Perspective at the György Ráth Villa

The exhibition Art Nouveau – A Hungarian Perspective offers visitors the opportunity to explore some of the finest selections from the Museum of Applied Arts’ Art Nouveau collection. Located in the historic György Ráth Villa, this exhibition pays tribute to György Ráth, the museum’s first director, who was not only an art historian but also a passionate collector. During the renovation of the museum’s main building, the Ráth Villa serves as a fitting venue to continue showcasing exquisite pieces of Art Nouveau.

Exploring Art Nouveau in a Modern Context

What makes this exhibition particularly exciting is its approach to Art Nouveau. The display doesn’t just present historical objects; it places them in a contemporary context, offering a new way to understand the relationship between today’s world and what is often considered “the last universal style” of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It invites us to reimagine how Art Nouveau’s organic forms, intricate details, and bold innovations continue to influence modern design.

The György Ráth Villa opened its doors in autumn 2018, featuring around 600 exhibits that span all genres of the applied arts. Some of the objects, freshly restored for the exhibition, have never been shown to the public before due to their previous condition.

For those curious about the full list of exhibits, the online catalogue is available here:

https://issuu.com/iparmuveszetimuzeum/docs/list_of_exhibits

A Unique Glimpse into the World of Art Nouveau

The György Ráth Villa offers an unparalleled glimpse into the world of Art Nouveau, with its display of world-famous objects, including ceramics, glassworks, and furniture. Highlights of the exhibition include Zsolnay ceramics, stunning glassworks by Tiffany and Gallé, and intricately crafted jewelry by Lalique. The furniture section, featuring pieces by Carlo Bugatti, showcases how Art Nouveau was influenced by both Oriental art and national Hungarian traditions.

The exhibition’s interiors, modeled after authentic Art Nouveau dining rooms and sitting rooms, recreate the bourgeois homes of the time. These spaces allow visitors to see how Hungarian homes at the turn of the century reflected this global artistic movement.

A notable part of the exhibition is the work of two contemporary glass artists, whose pieces were inspired by Art Nouveau, connecting the past with the present and honoring Ráth’s philosophy of combining history and modernity in the villa.

For a visual preview of this exhibition, watch the following video:

The György Ráth Villa and Its Historic Significance

The György Ráth Villa itself is an architectural marvel. Acquired by György Ráth in 1901, the villa became home to his extensive private art collection. Following his death in 1905, the villa and its collections were donated to the Museum of Applied Arts, forming the foundation of the Ráth György National Museum in 1906. The villa’s interiors, including the study, jewel room, living room, and picture gallery, were preserved as they were during Ráth’s lifetime, with only a few additional display cases added.

For an immersive virtual tour, you can explore the museum on Google Arts & Culture:

https://artsandculture.google.com/story/dgVR5hMrO6dWQA

Visiting the György Ráth Villa

Located on a quiet suburban street, the György Ráth Villa is a charming destination for anyone interested in Art Nouveau and European arts and crafts from the turn of the 20th century. Spread over three floors, the villa presents the collection in a series of individually designed rooms, offering a calm and reflective atmosphere. The small garden surrounding the villa provides a perfect spot to relax after your visit.

The staff at the villa is known for their welcoming attitude, and the exhibition’s design allows for an up-close view of the exhibits without barriers such as ropes. Visitors especially enjoy the sections dedicated to furniture, dresses, fans, hats, and jewelry, all of which are beautifully displayed.

Entrance Fees for the Permanent Exhibition:
– Full price ticket: 3,600 HUF (~9€)
– Reduced ticket: 1,800 HUF
– Family ticket: 7,200 HUF
– Combined ticket with city tour: 1,500 HUF

Dress Code: Art Deco & Permanent Exhibition (Combined Ticket)
– Full price ticket: 4,400 HUF (~11€)
– Reduced ticket: 2,200 HUF
– Family ticket: 8,800 HUF

Tickets can be purchased online through the museum’s official website.

Special Services
The museum offers several additional services:
– Photography permit: 400 HUF
– Video permit: 1,000 HUF
– Wedding photos: 15,000 HUF (advance booking required via email)

For more information on price reductions and special offers, please visit the museum’s website.

The György Ráth Villa is an intimate and enriching museum experience for anyone passionate about Art Nouveau and Hungarian cultural history. With its rich collection, personal atmosphere, and attention to detail, it offers a unique glimpse into one of the most beautiful and innovative periods of design history.

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