In May, we will continue our weekly series of events highlighting the importance of environmental awareness.
MAY EVENTS
Starting at 5:00 pm at the Dubniczay Palace
29 Vár u., Veszprém
6 May – Monastic Gardens: Medieval Culinary Traditions
The Gizella Days festival series is among the most beloved celebrations in the city of Veszprém. At the BotanicArt Oasis Club, we too will commemorate Hungary’s first queen and explore the garden culture introduced by the Benedictine monks and nuns who arrived with Queen Gizella. They established monastic and royal gardens near abbeys and residences, including in Veszprém.
In Western Europe, monastic gardening was based on the Capitulare de villis, a Frankish-era set of horticultural regulations. The Benedictines brought this tradition with them, creating orchards, herb gardens, kitchen gardens, and ornamental gardens in Pannonhalma, Tihany, Bakonybél, and Veszprémvölgy.
On 6 May, we will discuss the plants cultivated in these gardens and look at examples of how traditional monastic garden culture has been reinterpreted to meet the challenges of the 21st century (Melk, St Gallen, Bakonybél, Pannonhalma, and others). Naturally, participants will also have the opportunity to taste dishes prepared using plants commonly used in the Middle Ages.
13 May – World Cocktail Day
We warmly invite everyone to an exciting journey in celebration of World Cocktail Day, exploring the history of cocktails from their origins to the latest contemporary trends. We will share stories of legendary drinks, iconic moments, and the ways modern gastronomy continues to shape bar culture.
During the presentation, we will offer insight into the creative world of signature cocktails, while also touching on current innovations and directions in mixology. Our aim is to show how a drink can become far more than simple refreshment — a true experience that tells a story through flavours and aromas.
As a special highlight of the evening, bartender Balázs Taba will present a unique signature cocktail, which all participants will have the opportunity to taste. This drink will not only connect to the themes of the talk, but will also embody the philosophy represented by our guest speaker.
We believe this event will appeal to anyone interested in gastronomy, open to new experiences, or simply looking to enjoy an inspiring and enjoyable evening together.
We look forward to welcoming everyone to this relaxed yet enriching gathering, where cocktails become stories in a glass.
Registration is required for this event at: arthouse@arthouseweb.hu
On 20 May, we will also be joining the nationwide Communities Week programme. This time, our unconventional travel series arrives in Europe.
Gastronomic Memories V – Our Italy: Veneto and Tuscany
In April, the Museum of Fine Arts – Hungarian National Gallery opened its exhibition Dolce Vita, which explores the influence of the Italian way of life on Hungarian visual art. The fifth instalment of our Gastronomic Memories series offers visitors a special programme inspired by Italy-themed works from the Modern Gallery – László Vass Collection, cared for by our institution. Through these artworks, we will share stories of travels in Veneto and Tuscany, evoking the worlds of individual towns through their stories and flavours. Staff members of House of Arts Veszprém will take part in the event.
If you have an Italian postcard, photograph, or book, bring it along and we can look at it together!
27 May – Whitsun Gardens
Late May is one of the most wonderful times in the garden. Once the “Ice Saints” have passed, around Whitsun everything becomes colourful, abundant and full of life: the trees burst into bloom, and both vegetable and ornamental gardens thrive. At this time, gardening becomes a genuine pleasure. The scent of freshly cut grass, the buzzing of bees, the sweet taste of the first home-grown strawberries… This is the season when the garden rewards the care given in early spring, and the seeds once sown are no longer just a promise but a visible and tangible reality.
Those who do not have the opportunity to experience the wonders of nature in their own garden can still enjoy the pleasures of gardening by creating a small oasis on their balcony. A modest balcony may not replace shopping at the market or greengrocer’s, but it can certainly provide fresh herbs, salad leaves, tomatoes, or chillies in abundance.
We will be talking about this magical season on 27 May as part of the BotanicArt Oasis programme.
Sample dishes will also be prepared for demonstration purposes during the event. Guests may taste these at their own discretion and responsibility.
