Marking the 120th anniversary of Victor Vasarely’s birth, the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest unveils a sweeping retrospective that traces the Hungarian-born, France-based artist from early figurative pieces to his era-defining Op Art. Major works arrive from the Budapest and Pécs Vasarely collections, joined by loans from the Fondation Vasarely in Aix-en-Provence, creating a rare, comprehensive view of an oeuvre that fused rigorous geometry with head-spinning optical play.
Where and when
Venue: Museum of Fine Arts, 1146 Budapest, District XIV – Zugló, Dózsa György Road 41. Photos are under the copyright of the Museum of Fine Arts – Hungarian National Gallery.
The guided tour series Vasarely Up Close runs July 10–12, July 17–19, July 24–26, and July 31–August 2, 2026. Meeting point: Marble Hall. Arrive at least 20 minutes before the start time.
Vasarely Up Close
Vibrating grids, hypnotic structures, bodies slipping off the plane: Vasarely engineered optical illusions that still quicken the pulse. His black-and-white contrasts and pulsing geometric systems remain a visual jolt. Join the guided tour to unpack the precision behind the dazzle and see how form, color, and perception collide across more than a century of influence.
Program fee: about $4.10 per person, plus a valid exhibition ticket. Dates: July 10–12; July 17–19; July 24–26; July 31–August 2, 2026.
Curators on the floor
Curatorial and special tours for Vasarely 120 run on July 15, 4:15–5:15 p.m. The show assembles over 140 works to chart Vasarely’s path from Budapest to global renown, with archival photos, documents, and films rounding out the story. Expect insights into his system of forms and colors, optical phenomena, and his ambition to weave art into architecture and everyday visual life.
Guides and dates:
• Wednesday, July 15, 4:15 – Veronika Pócs (Pócs Veronika), exhibition curator
• Wednesday, July 22, 4:15 – Judit Vörös (Vörös Judit), art historian, Vasarely Museum curator
• Wednesday, July 29, 4:15 – Judit Vörös (Vörös Judit), art historian, Vasarely Museum curator
• Wednesday, August 5, 4:15 – Mónika Zombori (Zombori Mónika), exhibition curator
• Wednesday, August 12, 4:15 – Veronika Pócs (Pócs Veronika), exhibition curator
Tickets: full price about $22.60 (includes exhibition entry and guided tour). Discount price about $13.30 for visitors entitled to at least 50% off exhibition admission.
Please arrive at the Museum of Fine Arts at least 20 minutes before any guided tour begins.
Event dates: 2026.07.15.; 07.17–07.19.; 07.22.; 07.24–07.26.; 07.29.; 07.31–08.02.; 08.05.; 08.12. All in Budapest.
