Kreszta-ház – Kovács Margit Állandó Kiállítás

About

The Kreszta‑ház, home to the Kovács Margit Permanent Exhibition, is one of Győr’s most charming cultural spaces, dedicated to Hungary’s most beloved ceramic artist. Set in a restored 17th‑century merchant house, the building’s intimate scale and historic atmosphere form a perfect setting for Kovács’s warm, expressive works. Inside, visitors encounter the full range of her artistry: playful figurines, biblical scenes, folk‑inspired compositions, and tender portrayals of everyday life. Kovács had a unique ability to blend humour, emotion, and simplicity, creating pieces that feel both timeless and deeply human. Her glazes — soft greens, warm browns, and luminous whites — give the ceramics a distinctive, instantly recognisable character. One of the most interesting aspects is how her work bridges tradition and modernity. While rooted in Hungarian folk motifs, her figures carry a universal charm, often capturing small gestures or expressions that reveal entire stories. The exhibition also includes rare early works and sketches that show her evolving style.

Győr Hungary

Location

The Kreszta-ház – Kovács Margit Állandó Kiállítás is located in the historic center of Győr at Apáca utca 1, on the corner of Apáca street, in the neighboring of the historic old town. The building is a 17th-century listed monument named after Kreszta János, a grocery and spice merchant who owned it, and was restored in Neoclassical style. The permanent exhibition is housed on the upper floor and roof area of the Kreszta-ház and presents the life’s work of Margit Kovács (1902–1977), a ceramic artist and sculptor born in Győr, considered the founder of modern Hungarian ceramics. Visitors can see her folk-inspired sculptures, small plastic works, decorative objects, and biblical compositions; the exhibition is unique because it is one of only two places in Hungary (Győr and Szentendre) where these works can be viewed. Nearby attractions include the beautiful Baroque Frigyláda sculpture group on Gutenberg Square, which is directly opposite the Kreszta-ház, and the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, a grand Baroque church with centuries of history, located on Káptalan Hill. Also close by is the Győr National Theatre, highly acclaimed and internationally renowned for its ballet, and the historic Gyor Town Hall, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.