Csontváry - In the Language of Photons

Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka (1853–1919) is undoubtedly the most famous and beloved Hungarian painter. Thanks to the omnipresent reproductions of his works, his paintings have become deeply embedded in Hungary’s collective consciousness, and his iconic pieces consistently top all best-of art lists. Yet during his lifetime, many of his contemporaries considered him a delusional dreamer. It took more than fifty years after his death for the wider public to recognise him as a genius and one of the greatest figures of Hungarian modern art. Since then, his popularity has only grown, though his life and relatively small body of work – fewer than 150 paintings – remain shrouded in mystery. During his brief career, he obsessively pursued “sun-path painting,” unique light effects – in other words, the language of photons. This time, his artworks come to life not on canvas but as an audiovisual journey through light and motion, with stunning visuals and soundscapes, in various spaces of CODE.

Experience Corridor – Discover the Life of a Genius!
Walk through a striking multimedia exhibition that explores the key milestones of Csontváry’s life – from his childhood and years as a pharmacist to his transformation into a visionary painter. With animated images, interactive features and art historical insights, you’ll learn how a pharmacist became a prophetic artist, how his worldview and inner universe took shape, and how the Csontváry myth was born after his death.

Studio – Don’t Just Watch, Immerse Yourself in the Art of the Sun-Path Painter!
Enter an abstract, floating universe where Csontváry’s colours, the power of his waterfalls, and the light within his skies are transformed into audiovisual poetry. This three-dimensional contemporary work, filled with sound installations and flowing light forms, makes you more than a viewer – you become a participant in the painter’s art.

Hexagon – Step Inside Csontváry’s Visions, Where Painting Comes to Life Around You!
In the 400-square-metre Hexagon space, a 20+ minute 360-degree immersive projection and surround sound bring Csontváry’s visions to life. Through five chapters, based on his autobiography and major works, you’ll follow his journeys from Selmecbánya to Baalbek, from the silence of the Carpathians to the cedars of Lebanon. The paintings surround you – colours, lights and sounds tell their stories. Iconic masterpieces such as View of Selmecbánya and The Lonely Cedar are brought vividly to life.

Step into Csontváry’s dreamlike world, where paintings awaken, music composed especially for this experience invites introspection, and all your senses are engaged! Heard of him at school? Meeting him for the first time now? Or is The Lonely Cedar already your favourite? If you’re looking for something truly unique and unforgettable, this immersive projection promises a lasting impression!