360 Design Budapest, an award-winning exhibition recognized by the Red Dot Award and several other international accolades, is currently in full swing, welcoming visitors eager to explore the latest in the creative industry. Running from October 16 to 20, this year’s event features nearly 300 pieces of innovative furniture, home decor, and fine arts spread across hundreds of square meters. As the central highlight of Budapest Design Week, it is being held at the iconic former waiting hall of Nyugati Railway Station, where over 100 Hungarian and regional creators are showcasing their unique works, all thanks to the Hungarian Fashion and Design Agency (HFDA).
Now in its fifth year, 360 Design Budapest has become an integral part of Budapest Design Week, demonstrating how design permeates our daily lives in 360 degrees—from art to function. Thousands have already visited this creative spectacle, and the historic venue adds a special grandeur to the experience. The former waiting hall of Nyugati Railway Station, an architectural heritage site, is the perfect backdrop for these standout contemporary works in the creative industry, making it an unmissable destination for design lovers and professionals alike.
“Design speaks the language of innovation and aesthetics, blending form and function effortlessly. These artisanal or industrial pieces shape our environments and quality of life. This year’s exhibition, with nearly 300 exceptional works, offers visitors a chance to dive into the diverse and dynamic trends of contemporary design,” said Zsófia Jakab, Ministerial Commissioner for Creative Industry Development and CEO of HFDA, during the exhibition’s opening.
As a central event of Budapest Design Week, 360 Design Budapest has evolved into a premier forum for professionals to network and collaborate. Zsófia Jakab also highlighted that over the years, 360 Design Budapest has become a vital source of inspiration for professionals and design enthusiasts alike. “This year’s event places special emphasis on interactive guided tours, where renowned artists and experts offer personal insights as they guide visitors through the exhibition.”
Judit Osvárt, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Decoration and a leading figure in Hungarian design, kicked off the series of guided tours. Other personalities, such as Zsófia Szamosi, the Jászai Mari Award-winning actress, Iván Vitáris, frontman of Ivan & The Parazol, and Zoltán Tombor, an internationally acclaimed photographer, offer more tours. These tours provide a unique artistic perspective that enriches the exhibition experience.
At the press opening, Szilárd Demeter, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for Hungarian Culture, welcomed the exhibition and highlighted the cultural importance of design.
But 360 Design Budapest isn’t just about admiring great design—it’s also about shaping the future. Organizers offer free, experience-based guided tours for students from vocational and higher education institutions, introducing the next generation to contemporary design trends. Additionally, local manufacturers are exhibiting at separate stands, making this an excellent opportunity for designers and producers to network through the “Meet the Designer and Manufacturer” program.
This year’s exhibition is based on a contemporary reinterpretation of Art Nouveau and Art Deco traditions. It celebrates Hungarian creativity while embracing sustainability with new, environmentally friendly materials. It’s a perfect blend of innovation and cultural heritage, ensuring the preservation of traditions while moving design into the future.
The venue itself, Nyugati Railway Station, is a symbolic site connecting East and West, adding extra significance to this meeting of international and Hungarian design talents. The exhibition’s design beautifully echoes the station’s industrial character and reconstruction process, making it a must-see for anyone interested in modern artifact culture.
Strategic partners for the 2024 edition of 360 Design Budapest include Art Market Budapest, the Museum of Applied Arts, and Bayer Construct Zrt. ELLE Decoration magazine is the event’s key media partner.
This exciting event continues attracting local and international visitors, boosting Hungary’s global brand as a hub for creativity and innovation. As part of this effort, prominent international trade press representatives have been invited to experience Budapest’s cultural and culinary landmarks, showcasing the city’s rich heritage alongside its vibrant design scene.
Photos: HFDA / The Sparkle Content
