What happens when tradition is not just the past, but a living story? For 75 years, the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble has answered this through dance, music, and community. This exhibition invites us not only to witness this story but to immerse ourselves in the thoughts, dilemmas, debates, and breakthroughs that shaped the company into a world-renowned ensemble.
The exhibition does not follow a traditional timeline. Instead, it takes us on an exciting journey: first showing how stage folk dance began in Hungary, then tracing how rural traditional culture evolved from inspiration into a modern, all-encompassing theatrical language. Along the way, we are introduced to the vision of founder Miklós Rábai. As a bold innovator, he bridged tradition and stage, creating a genre where dance, music, and singing tell stories together.
Right until today
The exhibition gives a glimpse behind the scenes: into the birth of legendary performances, artistic experiments, and sometimes heated professional debates. We can find out how the view change in the Dance House Movement shaped the ensemble, and how Sándor Timár's authentic approach brought new momentum. The story leads us right to the present day, where, under Gábor Mihályi's leadership, the company addresses the tradition in contemporary language, through spectacular, internationally defining productions.
Iconic pieces, worldwide tours, and personal stories behind performances are highlighted. The visitor is not just a spectator but part of the process in which the past finds new meaning in the present.
Stories in motion
This exhibition is about identity, community and creation at the same time. It's about how we reinterpret ourselves in each era while drawing from the same source. The Hungarian State Folk Ensemble has been doing the same thing for 75 years: telling stories – in motion.
Exhibition details
Curator of the exhibition: Dr Szilvia Czingel, Rozália Mohos Földi, Emőke Nánássy and Krisztina Üveges
Exhibition opening: 14 May 2026, 5 pm