The Hungarian Parliament (2017)

The Museum of the Hungarian Parliament organised an exhibition in Moscow for the first time in 2017. The Hungarian Parliament presented the architectural history of the Parliament building, the artworks that can be found there as well as the cultural and historical treasures linked to the building through a rich selection of photos and films in addition to original objects.

The exhibition was opened on 19 October 2017 in the Schusev State Museum of Architecture by the Speaker of the National Assembly, László Kövér, and the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma, Irina Yarovaya. László Kövér expressed his hope that the exhibition in the Russian capital would strengthen bi-lateral cultural and tourist ties and the mutual respect between the two peoples.

“The Parliament building survived the tumultuous storms of the 20th century almost unscathed. The red star that was removed from the top of the building in January 1990 marked the end of an historical period and the beginning of a new one as well as the overture of the transition from dictatorship to democracy; then, after 2010, the entire building was renewed along with the Hungarian State. The facades shine again in their original splendour, the interiors are modernised with new installations and the surrounding areas have been restored to their pre-1945 appearance and spatial structure,” said László Kövér.

The home of Hungarian legislation was brought to visitors in consecutive thematic units. The exterior of the building as well as its representative interiors were presented through architectural drawings, films, animation and photographs.

In keeping with the priority objective of the exhibition concept, i.e. to bring alive the notions of popular representation and national unity in the interiors, visitors were able to see depictions of the Hungarian flora on exhibits ranging from decorative paintings through wrought iron works to carpets, as well as tapestries highlighting the events of history, statues symbolising typical Hungarian occupations, and of course the Holy Crown and the crown jewels, which embody the national unity of Hungary.

Alongside the past, the present was also lent emphasis with the National Assembly of today presented as an open institution. Indeed, those interested in culture are welcome on Kossuth Lajos Square and in the Hungarian Parliament with services and a wide range of tourist events attracting growing numbers of visitors.

The exhibition titled The Hungarian Parliament ran at the Schusev State Museum of Architecture from 19 October to 3 November 2017, and at the Balassi Institute Hungarian Cultural, Scientific and Information Centre between 8 and 26 November.