If you want to get up close and personal with art history in 2025, Hajdúszoboszló is the place to be. Hungary’s beloved spa town is hosting a major exhibition celebrating Mihály Munkácsy, one of the country’s greatest painters, marking 180 years since his birth and the 125th anniversary of his passing. The city will transform into an art hub from March 21 to September 28, drawing everyone from casual admirers to die-hard Munkácsy fans.
An Unmissable Jubilee Exhibition
The Munkácsy exhibition at the Mate Kovács Cultural Center and Library (Kovács Máté Művelődési Központ és Könyvtár) promises a deep dive into the artist’s extraordinary legacy. Nearly 80 original works by Munkácsy will be on display, among them the iconic “Yawning Apprentice” (Ásító inas) and pieces representing the artist’s various periods—portraits, landscapes, and salon paintings. Beyond the canvases, visitors will find an immersive experience with archival photos, documents, and a display of cherished cultural relics, making it easy to appreciate the richness of Munkácsy’s career.
Legendary Collectors and a Thriving Munkácsy Cult
Imre Pákh, an art collector living in America, has been instrumental in bringing Munkácsy’s works back to Hungary over the past two decades. Thanks to his growing collection, more than five million visitors have already been able to marvel at these paintings. The interest only grows year by year, cementing the enduring status of the Munkácsy phenomenon among both Hungarian and international art lovers.
New Masterpieces on Display
The 2025 exhibition is especially exciting thanks to new arrivals from the renowned Museum of Fine Arts (Szépművészeti Múzeum) in Budapest. Nine new paintings, including “Little Sugar Thief” (Kis cukortolvaj), “Night Wanderer” (Éjjeli csavargó), and a striking portrait of Franz Liszt (Ferenc Liszt), enrich the experience and offer even deeper insight into 19th-century Hungarian painting.
It’s not just the new highlights that will catch your eye. You can also feast your eyes on “Shouting Boy” (Ordító suhanc), “In the Palm House” (Pálmaházban), “In the Park” (Parkban), and “Promenade in Parc Monceau” (Sétány a Parc Monceau-ban)—works that epitomize Munkácsy’s Parisian period. Don’t miss “Winter Road (Hungarian Landscape)” (Téli út/Magyar táj), and János Pásztor’s impressive sculpture of Mihály Munkácsy, making its premiere in Hajdúszoboszló as part of the jubilee showcase.
Tours and Special Programs
Guided tours are scheduled throughout the exhibition’s run, with July 24 being a standout date—on that day, visitors can enjoy a free guided tour with their admission. The exhibition is lively throughout the summer and adjusts its opening hours as the seasons change. From July 1 to August 24, you have plenty of time—doors are open every day from 9 am to 9 pm. As summer winds down, hours are 10 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 9 am to noon on Saturdays, with Sundays closed. Keep in mind, the last ticket is sold an hour before closing.
Ticket Prices and Discounts
Adult tickets are a bargain at $11. Children and seniors (ages 6–18) can enter for $7. Families (two adults and two children) get a package for $28, with each additional child adding $4. For groups over 10, adult tickets drop to $8.30 and children’s tickets to $5.50. Local residents also enjoy significant savings: adults pay $7, children and seniors just $4. Some dates feature extra programming, so keep an eye out for special events as the exhibition continues.
Where to Stay and Eat in Hajdúszoboszló
Hajdúszoboszló is not just a spa capital—it’s packed with accommodation and dining options, all ready for an influx of art tourists. The Friendship Hotel*** (Hotel Barátság) boasts panoramic views as the city’s tallest building, with 117 double rooms, 6 junior apartments, and 11 superior apartments. Full-service wellness facilities and plenty of space make it ideal for families, solo travelers, or businesspeople.
Just a few minutes’ walk from the famous spa and the heart of the greenbelt are countless guesthouses, apartments, and bed-and-breakfasts (panziók) catering to every taste and budget. Whether you’re after absolute quiet, spa convenience, or family comfort, you’ll find your match. For families, many apartment houses and guesthouses offer easy access to both the therapeutic baths and city attractions.
If you’re hungry after your art experience, the city’s dining scene won’t disappoint. From classic pubs like U-Pub—where you’ll find bowling, billiards, darts, and escape rooms all under one roof—to the rustic Oven Inn (Kemencés Csárda) and the stylish Lorena Restaurant right by the spa, choices abound. Many restaurants highlight traditional dishes, feature modern flair, or tempt you with homemade desserts and specialty drinks.
Events and schedules may change, so check the latest updates for any changes!
