Published: 2023-06-22
The Museum Quarter in Sopron, a town in Western Hungary, has recently opened. It is a project that combines the history of the past with modern architectural solutions, offering interactive exhibitions for visitors. In this article, we will take a closer look at what the Museum Quarter has to offer.
Interactive Elements
The Museum Quarter boasts more than ten permanent exhibitions and temporary shows in the Fabricius House gallery. Visitors can explore the interconnected exhibitions through QR codes and touchscreen monitors that offer a glimpse into the city's past and present. They can observe the medieval residential tower, restored with light-painted, filmed, animated, and touchable props and tools. The exhibition called "Wandering Statues" offers a selection of works by Sopron stone sculptors and carvers from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Exhibitions and Rooms
The Museum Quarter comprises four historical buildings: Storno House, Fabricius House, General’s House, and Fire Tower, connected under one glass roof. The Fabricius House exhibition of 17th- and 18th-century civic living, "At Home in the City," has been expanded to include a 19th-century unit, whereas the existing rooms, including the Roman Lapidarium, have been renovated. Visitors can also explore the historicized artist’s residence of the Storno family, the permanent exhibition on local history, and the new exhibition entitled "King Matthias in Folk Tales and in Historiography", commemorating both the historical King Matthias (1443-1490) and the fairy-tale King Matthias.
Cost and Government Support
The Modern Cities program funded the Museum Quarter, costing more than 3 billion forints (8 million euros) and supported by the Hungarian government, pointing out that Sopron has shown that Hungary can be a worthy alternative to the Austrian standard of living and public services.
Conclusion
The Museum Quarter offers a transformative and interactive experience, providing visitors a glimpse into the city's past and present. The various exhibitions can satisfy the curiosity of everyone who loves history and culture, and the Museum Quarter rightfully provides a great attraction for the challenges of tourism.
Questions & Answers
What is the Museum Quarter in Sopron?
The Museum Quarter in Sopron is a collection of four historic buildings, the Storno House, the Fabricius House, the General’s House and the Fire Tower, which have been connected with a glass roof over a common courtyard to create a unique museum space.
How much did the Museum Quarter project cost and who funded it?
The Museum Quarter project cost over 3 billion forints (8 million euros) and is part of the Modern Cities program. The project was funded by the Hungarian government.
What can visitors expect to see at the Museum Quarter?
The Museum Quarter features over ten permanent exhibitions, including a historical tour of the city, a medieval residential tower with interactive displays, and an exhibition on local history. Visitors can also expect to see temporary exhibitions in the Fabricius House Gallery.
How is the Museum Quarter different from traditional museums?
The Museum Quarter combines the traditional past with unique architectural solutions and modern 21st-century infrastructure, creating an exciting and interactive experiential education for visitors.
Who spoke at the inauguration of the Museum Quarter in Sopron?
The director of the Sopron Museum, Imre Tóth, the mayor of Sopron, Ciprián Farkas, and Member of Parliament, Attila Barcza, gave speeches at the inauguration. The Parliamentary Secretary of State, Nándor Csepreghy, spoke on behalf of the government and the Minister of Construction and Transport, János Lázár.
What elements of the Museum Quarter stimulate the senses?
Visitors can experience interactive exhibits and learn more about each topic via QR codes and touchscreen monitors. The use of light-painted, filmed, animated, and touchable props and tools in the restored medieval residential tower also provides sensory stimulation.
Are there any temporary exhibitions at the Museum Quarter?
Yes, in addition to the ten permanent exhibitions, the museum staff presents temporary exhibitions in the Fabricius House gallery.
Where can visitors start their exploration of the Museum Quarter?
Visitors can enter the museum complex from the covered courtyard of the General’s House and explore the interconnected exhibitions from several points.
What improvements were made to the existing rooms in the Fabricius House exhibition?
The Fabricius House exhibition of 17th- and 18th-century civic living, “At Home in the City,” was expanded to include a 19th-century unit, and the existing rooms, including the Roman Lapidarium, were renovated.
What areas of the Museum Quarter have been recently opened to the public?
The Fabricius House Gallery, the Storno Kitchen, and the Castle Wall Garden have recently reopened to the public. The museum library was also modernized, and the Storno Memorial Library was equipped with a room for library educational events.
