Ars Sacra Festival at Laczkó Dezső Museum

“I will give you hope and a future” (Jer. 29:11)

In connection with this year’s national Ars Sacra Festival, we would like to present a prestigious selection of works from Laczkó Dezső Museum’s fine arts collection to present a distinguished display to the public. For the most part, these are works that have not previously been included in public exhibitions. In addition to high-quality paintings, the single-room chamber exhibition features artifacts of folk piety, including sculptures, glassware, and photographs alongside the paintings. Among the works depicting saints, images of Christ and the Virgin Mary, and biblical scenes, visitors can view pieces by such renowned artists as Imre Csikász, József Egry, Miklós Borsos, Ferenc Szoldatits, Dezső Erdei, Ödön Gerstner, Lenke R. Kiss, István Tóth, László Hegyeshalmi, József Perlaki, Gergely Pattantyús or Károly Szelényi.

The material is admittedly heterogeneous, which the nature of the selection freely permits without any constraints. Chronologically, it spans from the 17th century to modern, contemporary works of the 20th century; in terms of genres, it ranges from copperplate engravings to lithographs, screen prints, from engravings to carved and painted reliefs, and from watercolors to oil paintings, oil pastels, ink drawings, and glass paintings—the range is truly diverse.

Among the sculptures, in addition to the cast bronze sculptures, there are marble carvings, plaster models, carved wood, and multi-part glass compositions. Among the examples of folk piety, iconographic curiosities are featured just as prominently as renowned contemporary works. All of them reflect the focus of those who turn their attention to the sacred world.

The collection also includes newly restored works. A valuable 17th-century engraving of the Holy Family, as well as the restoration of a painting by Ferenc Szoldatits depicting Saint Elizabeth of the House of Árpád is a testament to the skill of our colleague, paper conservator Zsuzsanna Ludvai, while the relief depicting the Vision of St. Francis is the result of the meticulous work of our fellow restorers János Hauber and Veronika Cziráki.

We cordially invite you to the exhibition’s grand opening!

Date: 4:00 p.m., Friday, September 11, 2026 

The exhibition will be opened by Krisztián Tornavölgyi, Archdiocesan Office Director, Dean, and Parish Priest.

Guided tour of the exhibition:

September 19, 2026 | 10:30 a.m.

Discussing the works: Dr. Mária Tevesz, art historian

The exhibition can be viewed with a technical pass (300 HUF):

September 12–13, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

September 15–20, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.