BARTÓK’S SILENCE EXHIBITION

Starting November 23, 2024, a new interactive exhibition will open, focusing on the paradox that although Bartók’s music is often perceived as dissonant, “barbaric,” or loud, he craved silence. This influenced his moves, including choosing the villa on Csalán Street after his previous, noisier home on Kavics Street.

The exhibition aims to dispel common stereotypes about Bartók and present his true character; to demonstrate his universal artistic stature, showcasing how he spoke to the world through his Hungarian identity; and to deepen the understanding and appreciation of his music. The first phase will showcase the villa as it was in Bartók’s time, his homes in Budapest, and contextualize his career within historical and cultural events.

A silent film presents an important episode from the villa’s history, and archival footage, where Bartók appears, is shown in the concert hall, along with memories shared by his wife, sons, and close friend Kodály. Interactive displays illustrate how classical and contemporary music influenced Bartók’s compositions. His ethnomusicological journeys and work in folk music research are also featured. Authentic pieces, including ornate furniture by György “Gyugyi” Péntek, evoke the atmosphere of Bartók’s home, sourced from the legacy of composer Csaba Szabó (1936-2003).