The bicentennial exhibition of Herend Porcelain Manufactory opens at Pesti Vigadó

The large-scale exhibition features more than 700 porcelain works, presenting the two-hundred-year history, traditions and continuous renewal of one of the most famous brands of Hungarian porcelain art.

Among the special pieces of the exhibition are the large-scale masterpieces that were made specifically for the jubilee celebrations in recent years. Visitors can also admire a unique, richly laid festive table composition, the centre of which is a spectacular porcelain sculpture group.

At the opening ceremony, Dr. György Udvardy, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Veszprém, gave a welcome speech. He called the Herend Porcelain Manufactory an outstanding value of Hungarian cultural heritage, emphasizing that porcelain production simultaneously reflects the creative human spirit, craftsmanship and respect for tradition.

As he put it, Herend porcelain embodies patience, precision and perseverance, while also proving that “beauty can serve”. He highlighted that preserving and passing on heritage is not only a cultural opportunity, but also a shared responsibility.

The exhibition was opened by Dr. Attila Simon, CEO, who emphasized that the Herend Porcelain Manufactory has been one of the best-known ambassadors of Hungarian creativity, innovation and quality in the world for two hundred years. He said that the Manufactory is today the largest porcelain manufactory in the world based on the number of employees and its successful operation, while continuing to build on the tradition of handmade porcelain.

At the end of the CEO’s speech, he quoted from Sándor Sík’s poem Saint Alexius: “We are only worth as much as the light that shines from us to God,” and then he said that this exhibition proclaims the shining of the Herend Porcelain Manufactory’s Community towards Providence for all that it has given to the porcelain art of the world.

After viewing the exhibition, the guests participated in a special cultural program. Following the performance of the Hungarian State Opera Orchestra, the artists of the Győr Ballet presented the production titled Bolero. To close the festive evening, the participants toasted the 200th anniversary with Herend porcelain champagne flutes, and a gala dinner then rounded off the event.

The bicentennial exhibition not only recalls the rich past of the Herend Porcelain Manufactory, but also shows how tradition, craftsmanship and continuous renewal can become the basis of a Hungarian success story recognized worldwide.