On any given week, temporary exhibitions around Budapest cover a completely diverse range of subjects. From Frida Kahlo’s emotional art to the mummified bodies of ancient Egypt, there’s always so much to discover. The agenda at big-hitters like the Ludwig Museum and the Kunsthalle, for example, comprises only seasonal shows. Here’s a guide to what’s on this autumn and winter in Budapest.
A life of suffering and passion is on view at the Hungarian National Gallery, showing the heart-wrenching art of Frida Kahlo. Best known for her self-portraits, Kahlo’s monobrow, moustache and slicked back buns characterised the Mexican artist as much as her highly personal paintings. Kahlo’s oeuvre is presented alongside photo and video installations. Until Nov 4
The same gallery also hosts Bacon and Freud and The School of London. The term describes the post-war artists who were pursuing forms of figurative painting as opposed to avant-garde styles. The 90 exhibited works also include pieces by Frank Auerbach and Leon Kossoff. Oct 9-Jan 13
The Ludwig Museum is screening short films by award-winning director Salla Tykkä, whose creations have appeared at major galleries from Paris to New York. The Finnish filmmaker gains her inspiration from childhood memories and recurring dreams, her enigmatic stories open to various interpretations. Oct 5- Jan 6
Kunsthalle focuses on artists influenced by the so-called life reform movement of the late 19th century. Hungarians Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka and János Vaszary were among those propagating a trend towards a more natural lifestyle in the face of modernisation. Spirituality and peace are the common themes of these fin-de-siècle works. Oct 6-Jan 20
At Komplex on Király Street, preserving death underscores a unique exhibition. Mummies of the World is a window into lost civilisations through well-conserved bodies of the past 4,500 years. The mummified remnants originate from South America, ancient Egypt, even Hungary. Facial expressions and body parts have been retained through remarkable mummifying practices, natural or intended. Aug 16-Dec 3
To honour the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design, the Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center looks back at the school’s photography department. THIRTYTHREE highlights the institutional direction referred to as MOME style, with horizon as its key concept, the images captured over three decades by photographers taking a contemporary approach. Oct 9-Dec 9
The bygone days of the century-old Gellért Hotel are brought to life at a retrospective organised by the Museum of Commerce & Catering. Its glory tarnished by the later 20th century, this former host of grand balls is still an icon on the Buda riverfront, complete with Art Nouveau baths. For this display, visitors can admire historic photos and objects that once characterised this luxury lodging. Sept 27-Mar 3