Bartók Béla Emlékház

Located in the green area of Budapest’s 2nd district, the Bartók Béla Memorial House was the last residence of Bartók Béla in Budapest. It serves as a museum and concert venue dedicated to the composer.

The family-like concert hall, created from Bartók’s former rooms, has long been a venue for concerts focusing on his work, educational presentations, film screenings, and museum education programs.

The villa, located on a quiet street in Pasarét, was built in 1923 by Béla Tauszig for a Belgian businessman. Bartók Béla rented the apartment on the ground and first floors. The Bartók family, including his second wife Ditta Pásztory, their son Péter, and their employees, Magdolna Karszt (Lencsi) and her niece Júlia Karszt, lived here from April 10, 1932, to October 12, 1940. His son from his first marriage, Béla Jr., also stayed with them for a while. During these eight and a half years on Csalán Street, Bartók composed masterpieces such as the Mikrokosmos series, the 5th and 6th string quartets, Choruses for Children’s and Women’s Voices, Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion, Contrasts, and the 2nd violin concerto. The Bartók couple left for the United States from here, marking this residence as their last in Budapest and Hungary. Bartók wished to return to his Csalán Street home, which was the most comfortable and elegant residence he had known; however, the war and his illness prevented his return.

In 1946, the villa was nationalized and divided into three municipal apartments. In 1981, on the 100th anniversary of Bartók’s birth, the Metropolitan Council converted the building into a Memorial House, with significant financial assistance from Béla Bartók Jr. The concert hall was established on the current first floor by combining the former hallway, living room, and Ditta Pásztory’s practice room. The ’80s saw the addition of a new staircase, while in 1991, the building was expanded at the back. A renovation in 2006, funded by Gábor Vásárhelyi, Bartók’s Hungarian legal successor, restored the villa closer to its original state, adding an attic. From 2006 to 2021, the exhibition featured Bartók’s furniture, a rich collection of folk art, and personal belongings. In 2021, the heir withdrew the exhibited items.

BARTÓK’S SILENCE EXHIBITION

Starting November 23, 2024, a new interactive exhibition will open, focusing on the paradox that although Bartók’s music is often perceived as dissonant, “barbaric,” or loud, he craved silence. This influenced his moves, including choosing the villa on Csalán Street after his previous, noisier home on Kavics Street.

The exhibition aims to dispel common stereotypes about Bartók and present his true character; to demonstrate his universal artistic stature, showcasing how he spoke to the world through his Hungarian identity; and to deepen the understanding and appreciation of his music.

The first phase will showcase the villa as it was in Bartók’s time, his homes in Budapest, and contextualize his career within historical and cultural events.

A silent film presents an important episode from the villa’s history, and archival footage, where Bartók appears, is shown in the concert hall, along with memories shared by his wife, sons, and close friend Kodály. Interactive displays illustrate how classical and contemporary music influenced Bartók’s compositions. His ethnomusicological journeys and work in folk music research are also featured. Authentic pieces, including ornate furniture by György “Gyugyi” Péntek, evoke the atmosphere of Bartók’s home, sourced from the legacy of composer Csaba Szabó (1936-2003).

The Bartók Béla Memorial House is not only a tribute to the great composer but also a significant concert venue in the city. Its chamber hall, accommodating 90-100 people, hosts 40-45 concerts annually featuring prominent performers of Hungarian classical music. The concert hall, equipped with a Steinway D model piano, is available for private events, concerts, and studio recordings. The adjacent studio’s modern facilities ensure broadcast-quality recordings. Exclusive concerts can be arranged for group visits upon request.

The diverse and high-quality programs faithfully represent the house’s purpose and contribute significantly to the cultural life of the city.

We look forward to welcoming you to our events!