Edited by Anna Popper
The Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Hungary celebrated Croatia’s Statehood Day, observed annually on 30 May, with the opening of the exhibition entitled “In the Everlasting Flux”, featuring exceptional examples of modern and contemporary Croatian art.
The works on display were selected from the extensive collection of the Museum of Arts and Crafts (MUO) in Zagreb, which proudly marks its 145th anniversary this year.
The prestigious event took place at HAB – Hungarian Art and Business, a leading centre for contemporary art on Budapest’s iconic Andrássy Avenue. The celebration brought together numerous members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the business, cultural, and academic sectors, as well as members of Hungary’s large Croatian community.
Upon arrival, the guests were warmly welcomed by students of the Croatian HOŠIG School in Budapest, dressed in traditional Croatian folk attire, adding a festive and authentic cultural touch to the atmosphere.
The official program was skilfully conducted by Mrs. Marina Sikora, Counsellor at the Croatian Embassy.
It commenced with the national anthems of Croatia, Hungary, and the European Union, performed by Croatian pianist Ana Šostar, who is currently pursuing her second diploma at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in Budapest. Later in the evening, she also performed selected compositions by Dora Pejačević (1885–1923), a major Croatian composer, one of the country’s first female composers, as well as a pianist and violinist. Born in Budapest, native of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, Countess Dora Pejačević left a legacy of over 100 works, most of which are rooted in the Romantic tradition.
Art as a Diplomatic Language
Guests were welcomed by Ms. Délia Vékony, Artistic Director of HAB, who addressed the audience:
“It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to this exceptional moment marking the Statehood Day of the Republic of Croatia. As an art centre, we celebrate with you by presenting a unique exhibition specially prepared for this occasion, from the collection of the Museum of Arts and Crafts (MUO) in Zagreb.
Under the coordination of a great expert Petra Galović, the curatorial team has created an exciting display that perfectly aligns with HAB’s philosophy – crossing boundaries among established definitions of art. This exhibition was designed specifically for this event, shaped by the joint awareness of the MUO and HAB that the diversity of human artistic creation, guided by the international language of abstraction but manifested in various materials, can speak to us beyond language and reach across cultures.”
H.E. Dr. Mladen Andrlić, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Hungary, then delivered his solemn address:
“It is my honour and pleasure to address you here at the Hungarian Art and Business premises. The HAB hosts today the Croatian Statehood Day celebration and the accompanying part – the opening of the exhibition from the Croatian contemporary art.
We are celebrating together the first 35 years of a modern Croatian sovereignty and commemorating the first democratically elected multiparty parliament, which was constituted on 30 May 1990.
In 2025 we also mark the 1100th anniversary of the Croatian Kingdom. In the year 925, our first ruler, King Tomislav was addressed by Pope John X in one of his letters as “dear son, King of Croats”.
Without knowledge of its history and its roots, no self-conscious nation has managed to maintain itself on the historical stage. Thus, we remember particularly the role of Independence War veterans and the first President of modern Croatia, Mr. Franjo Tuđman (in office 1990-1999).
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A sovereign and democratic Croatia stands as a dedicated member state of the UN, the EU, and NATO.
Let me mention here Croatia’s stable and intensive growth of over 3% annually in recent years. The strongest points of development remain in the fields of energy and tourism, as well as culture and public diplomacy in general.
As a regional hub, Croatia supports the energy diversification of its neighbours and other European countries. This is in line with the EU’s intention to end dependence on Russian sources. The LNG Terminal on the island of Krk will soon double its capacity, while our gas pipelines are also expanding. When it comes to tourism, Dear Guests, we also expect your kind contribution. So, see you at the Croatian coast!
Dear Colleagues,
Regional political stability in the region is a vital interest of the Republic of Croatia. It has also been recognised as a strategic priority in the EU’s Enlargement Policy. We highly appreciate that our neighbour Hungary firmly supports the enlargement and stability of South-East Europe.
Let me add here that Croatia participates in different joint NATO activities in Hungary, including the Multinational Division Centre.
We – Croatia and Hungary – are neighbours and equal partners within the EU and NATO, committed to democratic values, the rule of law, and human rights. Therefore, Croatia also stands firmly in solidarity with Ukraine and its people.
Moreover, the ties between Croatia and Hungary are deeply rooted in European history and people-to-people contacts, and are underscored by the smooth protection of our respective minorities. With mutual respect and constructive dialogue, we continue on this path together, making our countries more secure and prosperous, and our alliances even stronger.
Let me thank the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and Media, the City of Zagreb, and the Croatian National Tourist Board for supporting this event. Special thanks go to all the sponsors, especially my dear collaborators from the Croatian Embassy, as well as the extremely professional staff of the Zagreb Museum of Arts and Crafts, and also of the HAB. Enjoy, thank you!”
A toast was raised in a heartfelt cheer: “Long Live the Republic of Croatia!”
Official Greetings and Cultural Dialogue
Mr. Barna Pál Zsigmond, Deputy Minister for European Affairs, addressed the audience as guest of honour on behalf of the Hungarian government. He conveyed congratulations and expressed best wishes to Croatia on the occasion of its Statehood Day.
The next speaker, Mr. Sanjin Mihelić, Director of the Museum of Arts and Crafts (MUO) in Zagreb, stated:
“This exhibition is much more than a collection of extraordinary works. It is a celebration of dialogue – between nations, between generations, and between artists and the public. It is a bridge of creativity connecting Croatia and Hungary, two cultures that have shared deep artistic and cultural ties for centuries.
The exhibited works span a wide range of artistic disciplines – painting, sculpture, printmaking, design, photography, glass, ceramics, metal, and textiles. Each piece reflects the richness of Croatian modernism and its dynamic relationship with broader European art movements. We are especially proud to highlight the legacy of avant-garde groups such as EXAT 51 and the New Tendencies movement, whose bold visions transcended borders and time, leaving a lasting mark on cultural history.
It is no coincidence that this exhibition coincides with the celebration of Croatia’s Statehood Day. At this moment of reflection, we are reminded of how deeply cultural identity and international connectivity are intertwined. With exhibitions like this, we celebrate both our uniqueness and our shared values.”
Ms. Petra Galović, Curator of the exhibition from the Museum of Arts and Crafts, elaborated:
“The works displayed in this exhibition represent the highest achievements of modern and contemporary art from the Museum of Arts and Crafts collections in Zagreb.
The pieces, drawn from the painting, sculpture, printmaking, new photography, graphic design, metal, glass, textile, and ceramics collections, were created from the second half of the 20th century through the early decades of the 21st century. They offer a possible interpretation of the development of certain directions within modern and contemporary art in Croatia.
The exhibited works are connected by the poetics of geometric and organic abstraction, which raises the eternal and inexhaustible question of structure in the work of art.”
A Contemporary Croatian Panorama
The showcased pieces offer an overview of the creative poetics of predominantly Croatian artists and designers, such as Ivan Picelj, Miroslav Šutej, Aleksandar Srnec, and Juraj Dobrović – canonical figures of Croatian modernism represented in major museums and collections worldwide. Some works extend beyond a national framework, such as pieces by Getulio Alviani and François Morellet, reflecting the cross-cultural dialogue between Croatian, European, and global artistic centres.
As the curator put it: “Reflecting the aesthetic shifts of its time and the cyclical alternation of intellectual and sensory principles, In the Everlasting Flux confronts us with the only constant – one of perpetual flow and continuous change.”
The event continued in a warm and convivial atmosphere with a tour of the exhibition, followed by a lively reception offering delicious Croatian specialties. The generous support of sponsors – including GDI, Orbico, Podravka, Vinum Academicum d.o.o., and Zavičaj – contributed to making this delightful gathering possible.
Closing Event of the Art Exhibition “In the Everlasting Flux”
On 26 June 2025, the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Budapest hosted the finissage of the exhibition In the Everlasting Flux at the contemporary art centre HAB – Hungarian Art and Business, attended by members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of Budapest’s cultural and artistic scene. The exhibition, curated by Ms. Petra Galović, featured highlights of Croatian modern and contemporary art from the collection of the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Zagreb. As part of the closing program, a relief printing workshop was held in HAB’s Graphic Studio by Prof. Dr. Miran Sabić of the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb, upon the invitation of host Mátyás Boros.
Source: Neda Maretić, Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Budapest
Photos from Neda Maretić and DPA
