Magyar News, 1996. szeptember-1997. augusztus (7. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1996-11-01 / 3. szám

Volume VII, Issue 3

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1 Bridgeport, November 1996

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896-1996 ONE TH0«SA1P ONE HUNDREDTH YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF Ifi CONQUEST

MTIOMAL

MEMORIAL

PARK

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Thousands of people visit Hungary each year. This summer I had the great honor of visiting the small town of Opusztaszer which would virtually be unknown were it not for their National Memorial Park which houses the famous painting entitled “The Hungarian Conquest” by Árpád Feszty. It was originally painted in 1892- 1894 by Feszty and his companions. Defying a series of difficulties they finished the work and opened the panorama on the White Sunday of 1894. Since that time it has traveled in and out of the country but, unfortunately, it also suffered extensive damage. In 1975 restoration began only to end abruptly 4 years later. It was resumed in 1991 by a Polish restoration group who set up the panorama in Opusztaszer where it is now a permanent display. I have been fortunate enough to view many exhibits, but for me none as

overwhelming and as beautiful as this picture of “The Hungarian Conquest”. This colossal painting depicts the momentum of Hungarian history when Prince Árpád led his people to their present country at the end of the 9th century. It is between 1015 meters high and 120 meters round and set up in a 4 story high round building. While viewing this phenomenal work of art you will feel as if you are actually a part of history being drawn into its 3 dimensional character and combined with the incredible audio presentation it literally reaches out to you

and touches your soul, leaving you breathless and with emotions you have never felt before. It is truly an unforgettable experience and must see for anyone planning a visit to Hungary.

You will want to go back again and again.

Aliz and Zoli Kakas

Above: the Museum entrance. Below: A replica of an old dwelling, The Árpád Memorial, the chapel and an exibit.

The cover of our February issue shows a small segment of Feszty ’s panorama.