Combining digital and audiovisual technology, the exhibition offers an entirely new way for audiences to engage with Monet’s masterpieces. Running from Oct. 17 to early March 2025, the immersive experience is being hosted at the BOK Sportcsarnok (Sports Hall).
Born in 1840, Claude Monet is one of the most influential figures in art history and a central figure in the Impressionist movement. His works, characterized by vibrant light and color, reflect his deep connection to nature and his fascination with capturing fleeting moments.
“The Impressionist movement started in 1872 with Claude Monet’s masterpiece ‘Impression, Sunrise,’” said Blanka Bán, an art historian present at the exhibition opening. “The rest is history: the sun-drenched, open-air paintings depicting the beauty of everyday 19th-century life may be familiar to everyone. They also remind us to discover magic in our surroundings: there’s plenty of it; we just have to look around.”
The exhibition, spanning 2,000 sqm, is similar to earlier shows focused on Van Gogh and Dalí, with the same organizers bringing this next chapter of Impressionist art to Hungary.
Dudi Bercovici, managing director of Hadran Events, highlights the advanced technology that sets this exhibition apart.
Unique Story
“We use the most modern technology to help us tell a unique story, and the experience adds a completely new meaning to the concept of a museum. Sound and light show, spectacular 360-degree digital solutions, and virtual reality welcome visitors,” he explains.
“We are proud of this production, which has provided a lasting experience for connoisseurs and non-professionals, children and adults all over the world,” Bercovici adds.
Visitors are invited to dive deep into Monet’s universe, exploring not only his iconic works but also his inspirations, life story, and artistic evolution. The show offers an educational and entertaining experience, appealing to a broad audience, from casual art lovers to dedicated Monet aficionados.
One of the most popular segments of the exhibition, based on its previous stops on this word tour, is the virtual reality experience, where attendees can step into Monet’s world.
Eight of his most famous works, including “The Poppy Field,” “Haystacks,” and “The End of Summer,” are brought to life in VR. Visitors can explore these iconic pieces from unique angles through this immersive technology, discovering the textures, lighting, and brushstrokes that make them timeless masterpieces.
Creative Urges
Additionally, the exhibition includes a creative space where guests are encouraged to create their own artwork inspired by Monet’s style. Using digital tools, attendees can paint their impressions, which are then projected onto the exhibition’s walls, allowing them to see their work displayed in the same space as the master himself.
The immersive experience capitalizes on Monet’s enduring legacy, offering a modern interpretation of his work. By utilizing advanced audiovisual technology, this exhibition continues to engage new generations of art lovers while celebrating the enduring relevance of impressionism in today’s digital age.
The exhibit’s focus on interactivity, its accessible nature, and its family-friendly appeal have contributed to its widespread success. Like its predecessors, the Van Gogh and Dalí exhibitions, the Monet exhibition has already proven to be a popular attraction in Budapest. The event’s organizers say they have seen visitors of all ages, from art students to families, enjoying the blend of education and entertainment.
The inclusion of a reconstructed version of Monet’s famous Giverny garden bridge and his study adds a touch of realism to the digital spectacle. The reconstruction provides a historical context, allowing visitors to see the spaces where Monet drew much of his inspiration.
The Hungarian edition of the Monet exhibition is expected to draw large crowds, with ticket prices ranging from HUF 6,500 to HUF 7,500 for adults on weekdays and weekends, respectively. Student and senior tickets are available at a lower rate. Children’s tickets (for those under 12) are priced at HUF 4,500 on weekdays and HUF 5,500 on weekends.
The exhibition is open from Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., on Fridays until 8 p.m., and on weekends from 9 a.m.- to 7 p.m. The BOK Sports Hall, on Dózsa György út in District XIV, is close to the Puskás Aréna. It is easily accessible via public transport or private vehicles, with on-site parking. For more information on ticket sales and event details, visit the official website at monetkiallitas.hu.
This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of November 4, 2024.
