Essence of 220 Years of the Library

Essence is an educational exhibition created to celebrate the 220th anniversary of the founding of the National Szechenyi Library of Hungary. A visual storyline based on the history of production of books was designed to guide visitors through the rather fragmented space. Materials and techniques used to pass information to readers throughout time are invoked as design elements from vellum to digital surface, from velvet to canvas, from manuscript to printed texts. Colours and textures are related to bindings of Corvinas, of the Founding Charter and to canvas book bindings.

Essence of 220 Years of the Library Exhibition by Maria Gazdag was selected as a grand example of architectural design by the A' Design Awards. Essence of 220 Years of the Library Exhibition earned the Iron A' Design Award in Interior Space and Exhibition Design in 2023. The A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award is an international, jury-voted, fair and ethical design accolade which celebrates excellent design of residential interiors, restaurants, hotels, offices, galleries, retail stores, showrooms, exhibition spaces and more.

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