From November 4 to 16, Virág Judit Gallery throws open its doors at 1055 Budapest, 30 Falk Miksa Street (Falk Miksa u. 30.), showcasing the best of 19th–21st century Hungarian painting and sculpture, plus historic and Art Nouveau Zsolnay and Géza Gorka (Gorka Géza) ceramics. The gallery fills its elegant downtown rooms with themed, high-end exhibitions and stages multiple auctions every year—from classics to cutting-edge—along with standout Zsolnay ceramics. Bidding is possible in person, by phone, via absentee bids, or through the gallery’s own online platform.
Free Guided Tours: Inside the Zsolnay Phenomenon
Mark November 12 and November 15 for free guided tours of the 5th Zsolnay Auction exhibition at Virág Judit Gallery. No registration needed. Experts walk you through the factory’s legendary heritage: the shimmering alchemy of eosin glaze, the sinuous lines of the Secessionist era, and the clean elegance of Art Deco. Expect iconic pieces and rarities tracing the Zsolnay story from classical techniques to interwar design brilliance. Location: Budapest.
Exhibition: Zsolnay Auction Highlights
From November 4 to 16, an exhibition drawn from the Zsolnay auction lineup invites the public to admire these ceramics up close, free of charge, at Virág Judit Gallery. It’s the perfect prelude to the main event: the Zsolnay Auction on November 17 at 6:00 PM. Location: Budapest.
World’s Only Dedicated Zsolnay Auction
On November 17, the gallery stages its fifth Zsolnay Auction at Budapest Music Center. Collectors across continents will be watching—bids are expected not only from Europe but also from the U.S. and Asia—because Zsolnay has become one of the most sought-after porcelains worldwide. This year brings true headline pieces, including a unique giant jardinière whose existence was previously unknown. The gallery holds the standing world record for Zsolnay: in both 2023 and 2024 a single porcelain fetched 28,000,000 HUF, around 75,600 USD. Demand for the 170-year-old brand is surging, and values for factory works have been climbing for years. The auction starts at 6:00 PM on November 17, and the exhibition of lots remains free November 4–16 at the gallery. More details to come. Location: Budapest.
Exhibition: Postwar and Contemporary Auction
Running November 4–18, Virág Judit Gallery previews the 17th Auction of Postwar and Contemporary Works with a free exhibition featuring the biggest names in Hungary’s contemporary scene. Expect standout paintings by Ilona Keserü and the Hungarian-born international star Vera Molnar, alongside major works by Imre Bak, János Fajó, and Ferenc Lantos. The ultra-contemporary generation is represented by artists such as Máté Orr and Márton Nemes. All works are on view without charge in the downtown space. Location: Budapest.
17th Postwar and Contemporary Auction
The auction takes place November 19 at 6:00 PM at Budapest Music Center. Virág Judit Gallery is the first and only gallery in Hungary to run a dedicated contemporary auction year after year, with a mission to lift Hungarian contemporary art into Europe’s top tier and raise the prestige of outstanding domestic creators. That push has paid off: this year’s sale counts as a significant international event. All lots remain available to view for free November 4–18 at the gallery. Location: Budapest.
Timed Online Auction: Extra Works Hit the Block
After the print catalogs closed, the gallery received additional Zsolnay ceramics and contemporary paintings that couldn’t be included in the live-auction catalogs. These will be sold in a timed online auction, with the works viewable in person alongside the live-auction pieces. Exhibition runs daily November 4–21, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, at Virág Judit Gallery. There’s no printed catalog, but everything is listed on the gallery’s online platform. Location: Budapest.
How the Timed Online Auction Works
The timed online auction happens on Sunday, November 23, starting at 6:00 PM. The platform accepts bids continuously, and advance online bids can be placed until November 23. Lots close in catalog order, one per minute. If a bid lands in the final 20 seconds, that lot’s timer extends automatically by 20 seconds. The next lot opens only after the previous one closes. Location: Budapest.
Why It Matters
For collectors, this November lineup is a rare convergence: museum-grade Zsolnay with new discoveries, a record-setting auction followed by a serious contemporary sale, and a timed online event catching late-arriving gems. The program underscores how Hungarian art—historic and current—keeps gaining traction with international buyers. With free entry to all previews, even the Zsolnay-curious can stand nose-to-nose with eosin masterpieces before the hammer falls.
