A Unique Visitor Centre in Balatonfüred
On March 20, 2018, a new visitor centre was added to the map of Balatonfüred. Located north of the railway line in a small street, the House of Jewish Excellence offers a permanent home for two digital exhibitions: From Einstein to Today – Jews and High Technology and From Chagall to Spielberg – Jews and the Arts.
From the outside, visitors are greeted by two clearly distinct architectural spaces. The simply renovated old synagogue building now serves as a community and event space, offering programmes for local residents of Füred, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, as well as tourists and passersby. The community space hosts a wide range of events, from musical evenings and theatrical performances to book launches and scientific lectures.
Adjacent to the former synagogue is a modern, box-shaped new wing. On the ground floor, visitors can purchase an access card to enter the interactive exhibitions. An audio guide is available to enrich the experience, allowing visitors to listen to detailed information about the distinguished figures featured.
The exhibitions introduce the lives of world-famous Jewish researchers and artists who made lasting contributions in their fields, shaping the modern world with their work. The scientific exhibition is currently available in Hungarian, English, and Hebrew, while the art exhibition can be viewed in Hungarian and English.
Beyond factual data, the exhibitions also offer fascinating anecdotes, answering intriguing questions such as: “Why did Pál Turán never learn to drive a car?” “Why is blue the dominant color on Facebook?” and “Why was the contraceptive pill once considered devil’s work?” Visitors can also test their knowledge through interactive games.
The access card can be reloaded multiple times, and between reloads visitors can refresh themselves with coffee or soft drinks in a small café area near the reception. After gaining new insights, guests can enjoy a pleasant walk in the garden, admiring an olive tree that is over 70 years old. Bicycle parking is also available for those who arrive on two wheels.
This visitor centre presents Jewish history in a radically different and uniquely global way. While remembering the past and the horrors endured, it broadens the function of remembrance to also recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Jewish people to the world.