László Vass, master shoemaker and creator of the world-famous Vass Shoes, can be considered one of the most important Hungarian art collectors today, thanks to his collection of Hungarian and international works of art. The collection, which focuses mainly on constructivist tendencies, is constantly expanding with the Constructivist, Minimalist, Concrete and Conceptual art of the post-war decades and very recent works by world-famous artists.
László Vass, an art enthusiast bought the very first pieces of his collection in the 1970s, then only for private use. The first major work to be added to the collection was by Jenő Barcsay, with whom he later developed a lifelong friendship and an ongoing professional relationship. By the early 1990s the private collection had outgrown its holdings and was ripe for a museum.
The renovation of the buildings at 3-5-7 Vár Street in Veszprém was carried out by the Turányi and Simon Architects' Office, which designed the reconstruction and architectural plans for the Herend Porcelain Museum and Porcelain Factory. The renovations started in 2001 and were carried out in several phases.
In 2003 the Modern Gallery, home of the László Vass Collection, finally opened its doors. The permanent exhibition includes nearly 150 works by artists such as Menyhért Tóth, Tihamér Gyarmati and Dezső Korniss. Since the 1990s the collection has also been able to boast significant international material, providing an international perspective and elevating the works of Hungarian artists to an international level. The 2nd floor gallery hosts three or four major temporary exhibitions each year. The exhibition includes drawings, paintings, prints, sculptures and photographs, all in the spirit of Constructivism.
Building 7 houses a contemporary art library where researchers and students in particular can read and research on site by appointment.
The Modern Gallery is both an exhibition space and a cultural centre. Conferences, symposia, guided tours and museum education sessions are often organised and held here.
Address: 3-7 Vár Street, Veszprém
Phone: +36 88 561 310
Opening hours from 01.05.2024
Monday - Tuesday: closed
Wednesday - Thursday : 10:00 - 18:00
Friday - Saturday: 10:00 - 20:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
Last entry half an hour before closing.
