In the overlooked suburb of Obuda, the Vasarely Museum’s Op Art changes perceptions.
Art museums in Budapest
There are many things that Budapest does well – the ruin bars, the public spa baths, the glorious Gothic Parliament building for three – but it’s not really regarded as one of Europe’s art hubs. Visitors might get something out of the Museum of Fine Arts or Hungarian National Gallery, but neither is a destination in its own right.
There is one smaller art museum in Budapest that is worth a visit, however – the Vasarely Museum.
Where is the Vasarely Museum?
The Vasarely Museum is often overlooked because it is in Obuda, a northern suburb of the city that’s outside the usually tourist areas in Buda and Pest. It’s to the north of Buda, on the eastern bank off the Danube.
Make the effort to get to Obuda, however, and you’ll see a very different take on an art museum. It’s at Szentlélek tér 6
Who was Victor Vasarely?
Victor Vasarely was a pioneer of Op Art, and many of the works on display will seem strangely familiar. Op Art is a rather design-led and mathematical approach to art – using colour and pattern to make the image look slightly different from wherever you’re standing. The geometry, repetition and use of 2D to 3D techniques play with your perception.
Vasarely’s Op Art
His works are all about concentric lines, patterns and manipulation, and there are over 400 of Vasarely’s paintings, tapestries and sculptures on display inside the museum
There’s an odd familiarity to Vasarely’s works – whether painting, plexiglass sculpture or tapestry – almost as if you’ve seen them on a 1970s rock album cover or graphics in a cheap TV sci-fi show. But the cumulative effect is engrossing.
Many pieces seem instantly recognisable – Vasarely’s style has permeated further than you may think.
Vasarely Museum ticket prices
At the time of writing, tickets to the Vasarely Museum in Budapest cost 2,400 forints, although entry is free if you have the Budapest Card. Tickets can be bought via the museum website.
More Budapest travel
Other Budapest stories on Planet Whitley include:
- How to tackle Budapest in May with children.
For a range of Budapest tours, activities and experiences, snoop around here.
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