Event guide to the Hungarian capital

TAMÁS PÉLI: BIRTH

JUNE 09-SEPTEMBER 26 BUDAPEST HISTORY MUSEUM In the framework of the cooperation between the Budapest History Museum (BTM) and OFF-Biennale Budapest, an unprecedented work of Roma contemporary art, which has not been shown to the public until now, is on view in the Baroque Hall of the BTM Castle Museum. The aim of the exhibition is to make Tamás Péli's Birth (a panel painting on wood) visible to the public and to include the painting in the public ‘community space’ created through discussions and interpretations. The monumental work, which brings together the Roma creation myth, HungarianRoma history and the formation of Hungarian-Roma intellectuals, and represents a community of Roma and Hungarians, arrived at the BTM Castle Museum in April 2021. After a week of acclimatization, its panels were unpacked and partially restored by the museum's restorers. At the same time, the huge installation, designed by artist Tamás Kaszás on which the painting is mounted, was built. Tamás Péli’s enormous piece is a work of art of unparalleled significance in many respects. Painted on fiberboard, the panel painting of nearly 41 square meters was completed in 1983 by Tamás Péli with the contribution of his disciples – including István Szentandrássy. ‘Birth’ was made on the Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County Council’s commission and it was installed on the wall of the refectory of the children’s home in the Andrássy mansion of Tiszadob, also known as the City of Children. When the mansion was reconstructed into a hotel in 2011, the panneau was removed and hauled in four pieces to the András Jósa Museum in Nyíregyháza. It was stored in the museum’s corridor, covered – safe, but unseen.

varmuzeum.hu PALOZNAK JAZZ PICNIC

JULY 29-31, IN PALOZNAK AT BALATON Mario Biondi, Al McKay's Earth, Wind and Fire Experience, Candy Dulfer, De Phazz and Magdi Rúzsa will be joined by a number of international and Hungarian jazz, funk and soul artists and groups at the 9th Paloznak Jazz Picnic. According to festival director Orsolya Valde, most of this year's performers have been to Jazzpiknik before, which is why they managed to put together such a strong line-up despite the still difficult travel conditions. The ‘Italian Barry White’, Mario Biondi will be the first international act on the first day, followed by Al McKay's Earth, Wind and Fire Experience, one of the world's most famous funky bands, playing with old and new members, The following day, one of the most popular artists on the Hungarian music scene, Magdi Rúzsa, will perform a special show, with the closing concert on Friday played by MF Robots. On the closing day, the German band De Phazz will play unique downtempo jazz, followed by the Dutch "saxophone queen" Candy Dulfer and finally the Dutch Kraak&Smaak Live Band. Every year, Jazzpiknik uses a part of its proceeds to support people in need, and this year the organizers plan to cooperate with the ‘Together for Autistic People Foundation’. At the Jazzpiknik, the festival organizers and MOL Zrt. are raising funds for the Auttalent 2021 talent education program.

jazzpiknik.hu

ALANIS MORISSETTE RETURNS TO BUDAPEST IN 2021!

NOVEMBER 03 BUDAPEST ARENA In response to popular demand, seven-time GRAMMY® Awardwinning singer Alanis Morissette has announced new dates for her 2021 and 2022 world tour, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the release of her album Jagged Little Pill. The 35-stop US leg of the tour kicks off in Austin in August this year and will end at the legendary Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles with a double bill in October. On this special concert tour, Alanis will perform all the songs from the ‘Jagged Little Pill album’, as well as a compilation of her biggest hits and songs from her latest album, ‘Such Pretty Forks in the Road’. The tour will continue in Europe in the fall with stops in Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy and Spain, as well as Hungary. To close the tour, Alanis Morissette will perform two consecutive nights at London's O2 Arena. The concerts in Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines are postponed until 2022. Alanis Morissette will perform in Hungary for the first time in 13 years on November 3, 2021 at the Budapest Arena. The concert will be presented in a small, theater-style auditorium design, with seating only. Opening act: Liz Phair. Since her debut in 1995, Alanis Morissette has become one of the most influential singer-songwriters in popular music. Her highly expressive music and performance style have brought her enormous fame and recognition. Her debut album, Jagged Little Pill, was followed by nine more diverse and successful albums. She has performed in and written music for numerous theatre, television and film productions. NIGHT OF ARTWORKS

JUNE 17–19 VARIOUS VENUES IN BUDAPEST Fifty venues in Budapest will host more than a hundred events - exhibitions, professional lectures, studio and workshop visits, thematic walks, workshops, talks and film screenings - for visitors to the 5th Night of Artworks between 17 and 19 June. Organizers say the aim of the event is to bring the world of artworks closer to the public. The festival will not only focus on traditional genres: in addition to paintings, sculptures, archaeological finds, photographs and ceramics, it will also evoke the object culture of the communist era, the mysteries of blue painting, the industrial history and craftsmanship of Unicum and the secrets of folk crafts. New venues will include the Gül Baba's tomb, while the BTM Aquincum Museum and Archaeological Park will offer a behind-the-scenes look at archaeological excavations, one of Europe's largest stone archaeological treasures and the everyday life of the Romans. Visitors to the Hungarian Circus Art Museum can see works by contemporary artists reflecting on circus art and enjoy an interactive guided tour about the 130 years of the Budapest Circus. The recently inaugurated National Museum Restoration and Storage Center is open to visitors interested in restoration and the masterpieces of Hungarian painting, and is currently working on works by Mihály Munkácsy, Béla Czóbel and Pál Merse Szinyei, among others. In the Kiskép Gallery, visitors can see contemporary Hungarian glass art, while in Memento Park the focus is on political propaganda and the object culture of socialism, to name just a few of the venues.

mutargyakejszakaja.hu

hospitality

MATILD PALACE, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL

BUDAPEST UNVEILS CAPTIVATING INTERIORS BY MKV DESIGN

World-renowned interior designer Maria Vafiadis and her team at MKV Design have transformed the iconic imperial palace, offering a balance of historic charm and effortless contemporary design.

Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest, due to open in June, has undergone a stunning five-year transformation to bring the palace back to its former glory and reinvent the building to become a luxury hotel. Elevated through interiors designed by the award-winning MKV Design, led by studio founder Maria Katsarou Vafiadis, the property’s interior aesthetics celebrate the building’s rich heritage, rooted in the culture and high society of Budapest, while crafting a new, modern destination for locals and global explorers alike.

Merging tradition and modernity

“Matild Palace represents the spirit of Budapest, as framed by the narrative of its storied history, culture, architecture and cuisine,” according to Candice D’Cruz, Vice President – Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “The property’s thoughtfully crafted design has seen the merging of tradition and modernity across all aspects of the hotel, culinary offerings and service. Matild Palace is set to become a destination in the city once again and we look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy unparalleled luxury in this charming destination.” Completed in 1902, the palace was a revolutionary building at the turn of the century and remains one of the most recognizable buildings in Budapest. The property is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of two buildings commissioned by Her Imperial and Royal Highness Maria Klotild of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Standing as a gateway to the famous Elisabeth Bridge, the ornate structure originally housed cafes, shops, and galleries along with residential apartments on the floors above.

Iconic building

The hotel's truly unique design communicates a strong narrative taking guests on an enchanting journey through time, beginning at the palace doors. The historical entrance passage has been further enhanced with magnificent pendant lights made up of individual porcelain pieces in a homage to traditional Zsolnay Hungarian art. Throughout the property, a thoughtful color palette of teal, gold, and copper reflects the hues of iconic Budapest buildings and their signature roofscapes. The main lobby and reception offer a sense of serenity and escapism from the city with intricate design and detailing across the windows shielding the view of the city’s busy streets as guests check-in. In the lobby you will find a collection of historic photos, offering insight into Budapest’s history and the original palace, displayed on a wall around a specially commissioned portrait of The Duchess. In the center of the space, a bespoke elegant chandelier plays tribute to a fine piece of jewellery once handed down to The Duchess through many generations of the Habsburg family.

Signature guestrooms and suites

The hotel will offer an exceptional choice of 111 guestrooms and 19 suites, the majority of which provide stunning views across the entire city. The property has a choice of four guestroom categories, with each taking inspiration from The Duchess’ interests and exuberant lifestyle and early 20th century Budapest, allowing the design and interiors to remain authentic to the building’s history. Most guestrooms display soaring ceilings and feature unique detailing and craftsmanship with hints of Art Nouveau. Nods to traditional Hungarian culture can be seen throughout with delicately

handcrafted headboards, Hungarian style fishbone design parquet floors, embroidered cushions, and elegant crystal lamps. Lavish spa-style bathrooms inspired by the traditional thermal baths of Hungary feature exclusively designed Italian cast bathtubs and rain showers, clad in turquoise glass mosaic complete with gold accents. Rich white marble slabs cover the walls and floors around the vanity area which comprise double sinks, gold detailing and heated flooring offering a divine bathing experience.

Loft guestrooms and palatial suites

Located at the rooftop of the property, the Loft Guestrooms provide endless views either across the city or the Danube River through large, sloping windows. The eclectic mix of both a contemporary modern design with colorful vintage furnishings and art embodies the eye of a creative and is a nod to The Duchess’s artisan friends who used to frequent the palace. Crowning the palace with its fifth-floor location, The Crown Tower Suite is split across three floors and is the first suite in Hungary to come with a 48-metre-high dedicated tower boasting 360-degree views of the city. The unique design of the tower in which the room resides is inspired by the crown of Archduke Joseph Karl of Austria, offering 92 square meters of space and comes complete with a stunning marble bathroom. The one-of-a-kind Maria Klotid Royal Suite is imagined as the Duchess’s private apartment. It features a spacious master bedroom, bathroom, living room and separate study, decorated with a mix of modern and historical furniture. Donned with elegant chandeliers, handmade glass mosaics, and parquet floors, the space is a celebration of craftsmanship in the region. For those requiring extra space, two additional rooms can be connected to create a three-bedroom apartment.

A true epicurean destination

A celebration of the local past and the hotel's bright future, Matild Palace introduces a new era of entertainment and gastronomy to the city with its offering of world-class dining venues. Spago by Wolfgang Puck Budapest will offer a contemporary design complete with a stunning lounge, and Matild Café & Cabaret - scheduled to open in September – will be the reimagination of one of the finest and most historic European Coffee houses, the Belvárosi Kávéház, which has been a much-loved institution of Budapest’s urban history, established in 1901. Hidden amongst Budapest’s famed roofscape, with a view towards the Elisabeth Bridge, Danube River, and Gellért Hill, The Duchess will be a secret liquor library. Its design is inspired by the Archduchess Maria Klotild, who in 1884 commissioned the Matild Palace to include a clandestine rooftop section as a rendezvous for the Decadence Movement. The chic bar is accessed through a hidden entrance of private elevators and transports guests to another world through its decadent story of glamour and gastronomy.

Wellness and relaxation

Swan Spa at Matild Palace features a Hungarian-influenced spa experience with traditional thermal therapy and Hammam rituals designed to awaken the senses. Inspired by the Danube River swan, the spa’s design offers a tranquil oasis with soft white walls, gold detailing and white marble floors. For those looking to keep active, there is a fully equipped state-of-the-art gym to enjoy.