Between 9 and 19 October, the Buda Castle District will once again come to life, as the late baroque palace at 1 Táncsics Mihály Street – currently out of use – will host the 360 Design Budapest exhibition. Having become one of Central Europe’s key design events, the exhibition will once again showcase the works of Hungarian and regional design brands, product designers, and applied and fine artists, while also giving visitors the chance to discover the innovations of numerous domestic creative industry manufacturers.
The twice Red Dot Award-winning 360 Design Budapest draws attention to the cultural and economic significance of design, which is present in all areas of life. This year’s exhibition, showcasing a wide spectrum of contemporary object culture, will feature works by more than 70 Hungarian designers and over 10 regional creators from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Ukraine, Romania, and Armenia. Each year, special attention is given to ensuring that the exhibition provides a prominent platform for emerging Hungarian talents. In 2025, more than 30 young designers will debut their work at the event. In addition, around 10 Hungarian design manufacturers will also present their products. From small series or unique pieces of artistic value to furniture, home accessories, and mass-produced objects, a total of around 400 exhibits will await visitors.
One of the highlights of this year’s event is the Sándor Borz Kováts selection, presented to the public for the first time in Hungary within the framework of the 360DBP exhibition. The showcase, dedicated to the oeuvre of one of Hungary’s most significant product designers, is realised in collaboration with the Hungarian National Museum’s Public Collection Centre and the Museum of Applied Arts. Alongside the internationally acclaimed designer’s works, the exhibition will also feature a model and video materials created by students of the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design. The curator of the exhibition is Dr Judit Horváth, museologist and Head of the Contemporary Design Collection at the Museum of Applied Arts in Budapest.
At the same time, 360 Design Budapest goes far beyond the framework of a traditional exhibition: it is a meeting point where designers, manufacturers and the public can connect directly. It also serves as a platform that strongly supports Hungary’s creative industry ecosystem, contributing to the strengthening of professional and business collaborations. This idea is reflected in this year’s motto – “Design Aligns – Creating Together, Living Connected” – which places the connective power of design, spanning eras and industries, at its centre. It encourages visitors to discover not only the objects themselves but also the human stories behind them. In this spirit, for the first time this year, an open call for curatorial and architectural concepts was announced. The winner of the curatorial call, Barna Erdész – founder of the contemporary Gallery East of Eden and co-owner of Erdész Galéria & Design – and the winners of the architectural competition, Ingrid and Albert Manhertz of Space Buffet, have together created a distinctive joint concept. The central theme of the exhibition is the contemporary reinterpretation of inspirations from the past. Each of today’s design works is presented in dialogue with some form of cultural heritage or formal tradition, so the exhibition is not merely a collection of individual works but a space for shared thinking, collaboration, and connection.
In addition to the exhibition itself, the public can immerse themselves in the exciting world of design through a wide variety of programmes. From workshops and guided tours led by renowned design experts, writers, musicians and content creators, to musical and dance performances and professional round-table discussions – there is something for everyone, offering unforgettable experiences.
Both the exhibition and the inspiring events are free of charge but require registration. Discover how the diverse world of design surrounds us in our everyday lives – and register HERE!