Explore the artistic side of Pécs and the Villány wine region

Art is an intrinsic feature of Pécs, just like the mosques or the TV tower. For example, Káptalan Street, also called the street of museums, is a paradise for art lovers. Among others, this is where you’ll find the “Street” exhibition of Erzsébet Schaár, or the “Sopianae” archaeological exhibition temporarily transferred here from the Museum of Archaeology. The very same street is also home to the Martyn Museum with the works of the namesake Ferenc Martyn donated to the town of Pécs and the Janus Pannonius Museum. The sculptor, painter, graphic designer and illustrator born in Kaposvár is a major character of modern Hungarian visual art, and also one of the most significant representatives of the post-World War II non-representational styles.

One of the most prestigious collections, Museum Vasarely is also located in this street: it includes world-famous masterpieces of optical art. The most famous of all might be the Csontváry Museum exhibiting the paintings of Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka with a unique colour palette and symbolic system. You can also see The Lonely Cedar on display here.

Not far from here, in Papnövelde Street, art lovers are invited to visit the Modern Hungarian Gallery with the collection of the works of Amerigo Tot, the sculptor who had emigrated to Italy at a young age, and whose birth name was Imre Tóth. 

In every corner of the town, wherever you go, you will notice the presence of Zsolnay
Porcelain symbolising tradition, uniqueness, artistic value and continuous renewal. In your attempt to really get to know and understand its essence, though, be sure to visit the Zsolnay Museum which showcases the work done in the porcelain manufacture, and take a look at the Gyugyi Collection, or watch in real life through a glass wall, how the embellished china items are created. Or just take a walk among the Zsolnay statues in one of the picturesque parks of the cultural quarter. 

An engaging experience is offered at Szársomlyó Hill, in the deserted stone mine, among the artefacts of the Statue Park of Nagyharsány. This exhibition was brought to life in the 1960s by an opportunity considered unrivalled in that era: a chance for young local artists to experiment freely and create at will.