2008 is the Year of Renaissance in Hungary celebrating that King Matthias stepped on to the throne of Hungary 550 years ago. During Matthias’ rule (1458-1490) Hungary developed into a cultural centre renowned throughout Europe.

Matthias Corvinus was inspired by Renaissance flourishing in Italy, thus he invited artists, scientists, scholars (Galeotto Marzio, Bonfini) to help establish the roots of Renaissance culture in Hungary. His second wife Beatrice was also from Naples, Italy. King Matthias developed the court in Buda into a stunning royal residence that attracted visitors from foreign countries.

Side of Matthias Church (Church of Our Lady) in Castle District in Buda

A series of cultural events, art exhibitions, gastronomic programs will be organised throughout Hungary including the capital, Budapest.

Four museums in Budapest the History Museum, the Museum of Applied Arts,

the National Gallery, and the National Széchenyi Library (Buda Castle, F wing) launched a joint project titled “4 times about Renaissance”. 4 temporary exhibitions introduce

the Renaissance era in Hungary and the heritage of King Matthias through four different angles.

Matthias Corvinus, the King

Tradition and renewal in the Hungariain royal court 1458-1490

besides Hungarian collections art works from Austrian, Czech, German and Slovakian will be on display introducing the figure of Matthias Corvinus and the life in his royal court.

Date: 20th March-30th June, 2008

Venue: Budapest History Museum

Address: Buda Castle, E building , Szt György tér 2.

Admission: 1600 HUF/adult, 1800/students, seniors free for children under 6 and seniors above the age of 70.

Website: www.btm.hu

The Heritage of King Matthias Corvinus from Gothic to Baroque Art

Renaissance Art in Hungary in 16th-17th centuries

Date: 28th March-27th July 2008, Tue-Mon: 10.00-18.00

Venue: Hungarian National Gallery A building, 1st floor,

Address: Buda Castle Dísz tér 17.,

Admission: 1600 HUF, 50% discount for EU citizens between the ages 6-26, and 62-70, free for children under 6 and seniors above the age of 70.

Website: www.mng.hu

The Dowry of Beatrice

The art of Italian majolica and the Court of King Matthias Corvinus

Date: 26th March-30th June, 2008

Venue: Museum of Applied Arts

Address: Üllői út 33-37, M3 (blue metro), trams 4-6 Ferenc körút station

Website: www.imm.hu

Star in the Shadow of a Raven (Csillag a Holló Árnyékában)

Archbishop János Vitéz and the Beginning of Humanism in Hungary

Around 100 works of art (Corvina codexes, paintings, emgravings, sculptures) will be on display including some rarities like the book first printed in Hungary the Cronica Hungarorum

Date: 14th March-15th June, 2008, Tue-Sat: 10.00-20.00

Venue: Széchényi Library, Buda Castle, F building

Admission: 100 HUF/adult, 500 HUF/studnts, pensioners

Website: www.oszk.hu