The Art of Disconnection

The central theme of this year’s Open House is connection—but in order to truly be present with others, we sometimes need to reconnect with ourselves first. The 5th-floor exhibition space of the Vigadó offers just that: a quiet, slow-paced environment inviting visitors to pause. For the duration of the Open House, the space is transformed into a retreat where, stepping out of the day’s vibrant flow, we can stop for a moment.

Furnished with bean bags and armchairs, this lounge area offers nothing more—and nothing less—than what we may need most: calm. There is no program here, no expectations—only the opportunity to sit down, look around, and allow our thoughts to settle after the rush, reconnecting with ourselves.

The walls are adorned with paintings by István Szőnyi, while throughout the day, contemplative activities support this inner slowing down.

This space does not separate us from connection—it prepares us for it: a transitional state between two experiences, where switching off can gently lead us back to genuine connection.