Within the Bethlen Theater something special awaits. It’s the Bethlen Galéria. This gallery offers a stage for different generations of Hungarian theater and dance photography. Since its opening in September 2001 with the support of the National Cultural Fund, the Bethlen Galéria has thrived. Each month brings a new exhibition to its walls.
The building that houses the Bethlen Galéria expanded in 2012. It became the Bethlen Téri Theater. Besides dance performances, it now hosts prose, circus, puppet theater and theater education shows. Over 20 years, the Bethlen Galéria has provided opportunities for Hungarian theater, music and dance photographers. Its offerings have grown with the venue’s profile.
In June 2023, the Bethlen Galéria closed its 22nd season. It proudly presented over 100 monthly exhibitions. The theater’s audience has become fans of Hungarian photography. The photographic, theatrical, dance and music community, along with the press, closely follow its work.
The Bethlen Galéria supports both established and emerging artists. It has showcased artists like András Bánkuti and Gábor Áfrány. The gallery also remembers older generations. It has featured works by Éva Keleti and János Kass. The list goes on and on.
From its first seven seasons, Tamás Katkó led the Bethlen Galéria. He is himself a theater photographer. In 2008, Gábor Dusa took over. He excels in dance photography. Dusa said he wanted to lead the Bethlen Galéria. He said that galleries specializing in photography are rare in Hungary. The Bethlen Galéria is one of the few. It focuses on an underappreciated area of photography.
The 2023/24 exhibition season ties into events at the theater. It hosts international installations related to Pro Progressione’s HoMe project. The gallery presents a house history exhibition. It prepares special photo exhibitions for events like the Sissi Autumn Dance Week. These events connect to the theater’s resident company.
Since 2012, the theater has focused on talent search and care. The Bethlen Galéria supports emerging photographers. It features exhibitions from the Garabonciás Media Arts High School. It also shows work from János Eifert’s masterclass.
Bethlen Galéria is open weekdays. You can visit from 11 AM to 5 PM. Also, you can visit one hour before performances. Come explore the world of Hungarian photography here.