Curators: Dániel Molnár and Katalin Teller, researchers of entertainment genres
The exhibition presents the emerging entertainment industry of the Reform Era, its performers, and the first circuses in Budapest, up until the city’s unification in 1873. This was the period when magicians performed at the National Theatre, and composer Egressy Benjámin’s "Hungarian folk music society" entertained the audience during intermissions.
We showcase the first Hungarian and international stars and their performances: from tightrope walkers, illusionists specializing in stereoscopic images, acrobatic equestriennes, the first professional magicians, puppeteers, and aerialists, among others. Some themes feature interactive installations, such as a strength test where visitors can compare their power with that of the past strongmen. Additionally, many contemporary parallels highlight how much (or how little) has changed over the past two centuries.