On June 17, 2018, the "Hungarian Contemporary Art Exhibition" co-organized by the Embassy of Hungary, the Beijing Hungarian Cultural Center, and the National Art Museum of China (NAMOC) opened at the NAMOC. A total of 99 paintings and 24 sculptures from Hungarian artists were on display. The works include Hungarian contemporary artworks from the end of the 20th century to the beginning of the 21st century. It covers pop art, expressionism, abstractionism, realism, and other schools and styles, synthetically presenting the modern art landscape of Hungary.

Mr. Mate Imre PESTI, Hungarian ambassador in China, Mr. Jin Shangyi, Honorary Chairman of China Artists Association, Former President of Central Academy of Fine Arts, famous artist, Mr. Lian Ji, President of the Chinese National Academy of Arts, Mr. Wu Weishan, member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Director of the NAMOC, Vice President of the China Artists Association, Ms. Song Niya, Cultural and Education Counsellor of the Embassy of Hungary in Beijing, Mr. Zhang Shijun, Secretary of Party Committee of the NAMOC, Mr. Yang Lizhou, Former Director of the NAMOC and famous artist, Mr. Wang Yingchun, famous artist, Ms. Tao Qin, Deputy Secretary, Under-Secretary-General and Inspector of Party Group of the China Artists Association, Mr. Li Jianqun, expert of Foreign Art History of Central Academy of Fine Arts, Aldais Laszlo, exhibition curator, Lucas Laszlo, sculptor, John Von Dam, art critic, attended the opening ceremony. Ms. An Yuanyuan, Deputy Director of the NAMOC, presided over the ceremony. At the beginning of the opening ceremony, the Moment’s Notice Trio Orchestra from Hungary performed an 8-minute improvisation.

Mr. Mate Imre PESTI expressed his gratitude for the successful hosting of the exhibition at the NAMOC. He said that in recent years, the China-Hungary bilateral cooperation under the "Belt and Road" initiative achieved fruitful results in the cultural field. This exhibition marked a remarkable achievement in artistic exchanges. He introduced that each piece of the exhibit tells its own unique stories in deconstructionism and abstractionism. They are presented in their own way. If you appreciate them carefully, you can perceive the treasures of Hungary's oldest patterns from the works. Although Hungary and China are geographically far apart, we speak the same language in art. This language can bring us all together as our common goal is to introduce our culture in art.

Mr. Wu Weishan expressed his gratitude on behalf of all staffs at the NAMOC for the guests present. He said that Hungary and China were old friends. In 1949, Hungary was one of the first countries to establish ambassadorial diplomatic relations with China. In 2004, China and Hungary established the China-Hungary friendship and cooperation partnership. In 2015, Hungary became the first European country to confirm its adherence to the "Belt and Road" initiative. China-Hungary relations have reached a new level. Old friends should keep in touch. The 2012 China Contemporary Art Exhibition received a warm welcome in Hungary. This Hungarian Contemporary Art Exhibition is a testimony to the friendship between our two countries and also an important measure for strengthening cultural exchanges between the two countries. The exhibition will provide a great opportunity for Chinese audiences to learn about Hungarian contemporary art.

Mr. Wu Weishan then introduced that the NAMOC gathered the best national fine arts in China. We are committed to promoting China’s exchanges with peoples of all countries in the world and building a human destiny community through art in particular. On June 19, the "Silk Road International Alliance of Art Museums" will be established at the NAMOC. Experts from their national art museums and key art institutions from 19 countries and regions along the "Belt and Road" will gather at the NAMOC. This exhibition is also a gift for the "Silk Road Art Museum Alliance". It is believed that these exquisite works full of emotions and wisdom will have a huge impact on the experts of the "Silk Road International Alliance of Art Museum".

Mr. Aldais Laszlo, the exhibition curator, thanked the organizers for their support. He introduced that the exhibition was divided into three parts. The first part focused on modernist style works; the second part showed the excellent glass art works of Hungary; and the third part was music film from famous Hungarian director Attila Kunyu. This film was also first released to the public.

Hungary, a country full of fairy charm, is known as the “Pearl of the Danube”. Here, there are both brilliant heroic epics as well as awe-inspiring natural scenery. Here, there are both the poet Petofi and the musician Liszt.... China and Hungary, although separated by thousands of miles, have a long history and share many similarities in culture

The traditional art of Hungary is deeply influenced by many artistic traditions in central and Eastern Europe. After the 1960s, a new generation of young artists from Hungary emerged. They boldly innovated, broke through traditions, and sought new ways to express their ideas. In this exhibition, works of representative artists such as Victor Vasarery, Bozenger Laszlo, Zambo Ishtevan, Sikola Domas, and Konoko Domas were on display. 

In the meanwhile, a large number of glass art works were also displayed in the exhibition. The glass art of Hungary was originated from the 19th century. After the 1960s and 1970s, the art of glass began to be liberated from industrial design. The concept of creation has been transformed and the production process has been continuously improved, winning international high recognition. The exhibition will also present the highlights of Hungarian representative glass artists.

Furthermore, the exhibition also featured works by Zoltan Kodaly, a Hungarian musician, composer, music educator and folk music scholar, to provide audience with a richer viewing experience.