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Exhibition Showcases the Rich History of Hungarian Literature and Culture

Maria Gazdag's "Essence" exhibition, dedicated to the 220th anniversary of the National Szechenyi Library, presents a visual storyline guiding visitors through the history of book production. The exhibition, located in the common area of the library, aims to celebrate the library's rich history and educate visitors about the more than ten million documents housed within its walls.

The exhibition and the new corporate identity created for the anniversary are interlocked, playing important parts in shaping the library’s new image. The common areas of the working library are used by employees, readers, and visitors, calling for flexibility in design to accommodate individuals with varying levels of background knowledge.

Sustainability was a key consideration in the transformation of the large, empty spaces within the library. The exhibition elements were designed to utilize the 1300m2 common area without compromising the functionality of the space, while also incorporating sustainable practices to reduce energy consumption and costs.

The exhibition features interactive screens providing additional information and experiences, allowing visitors to engage with the library's treasures. The space, though fragmented, was leveraged to allocate themes according to the natural flow, creating an integrated and independently interpretable exhibition. The exhibition also incorporates sound terminals where visitors can listen to old soundtracks and present-day guardians of the collection discussing the library's treasures.

Designing the first stage of the project began in January 2022, with the second stage completed on site by 26th November 2022 at the National Szechenyi Library in Budapest, Hungary. The exhibition's visual storyline guides visitors through the history of book production, invoking materials and techniques used to pass information to readers throughout time.

Maria Gazdag, an architect and exhibition designer, brings a unique understanding of storytelling into museum projects and utilizes a comprehensive understanding of brand, product, and marketing requirements to develop 3D images reflecting the corporate identity of the exhibitor.

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