To accommodate the Mindszentyneum’s contemporary exhibitions, we have created freely variable spaces that can adapt to the given theme and the desired effect, in contrast to the classical room arrangement. The gross 2×500 m2, basically white-box and black-box type spaces of the permanent exhibitions operate with little natural light, only letting it in where it has symbolic significance.

These studio spaces were practically lined on their entire surface with the spatial system that provides the installation and receives its elements. The color of the floor plays a role in the exhibition, while the ceilings are neutral, “inconspicuous” technological zones with a black lamella structure.

In the Mindszenty exhibition, its basic colors, the contrast and parallelism of light and dark provide the backbone of the dramaturgy. The base color of the (f)ecclesiastical persecution exhibition is pure black, which makes the terrible events of the era more emotionally relatable. While the exhibition on the first floor – presenting the high priest’s life journey – presents his story of hope and strength in a historical period full of atrocities, the second floor exhibition is meant to evoke the anti-church events that peaked during communism in the light of the latest research and through the recollections of the persecuted.

The spatial character of the Mindszenty exhibition is given by the circular spaces that present prominent events and the labyrinth-like flow that connects them – winding, expanding and narrowing according to the drama of his life’s journey. The exhibition is a huge connected leporello, which is filled with large-scale photos and unique wall graphics, clothing and object installations that follow the journey of life, printed and projected textile accessory elements. In the highlighted spaces, at a total of 5 points, art installations provide the experience of a visceral experience beyond the visible, sometimes with the help of object, sometimes light or sound compositions.

The main elements of the Church Persecution exhibition are installations or prepared interiors for the interactive presentation of historical facts and period documents, which try to bring the church-related events, anti-religious propaganda and measures between 1945 and 1990 closer to the visitors, as well as the social and human reactions that characterized this era.

The two exhibitions are connected at a single, but even more important, point. We created the vertical connection between the inner core of Rotondo square and the last room of the upstairs exhibition, which presents interrupted life paths, both mentally and visually. Here darkness and light meet, seemingly hopeless destinies and the promise of hope.

The exhibition on the basement floor, related to the theme of the Göcseji Museum, presents the medieval architectural monuments of Zala county and the building methods and techniques of the time with the help of finds discovered during construction.

The exhibition is based on the documentation of the two brick kilns found here and the pile remains of the former palanquin fortress. This is complemented by other architectural monuments of the same age from the museum’s collection, and historical descriptions studded with infographics, digital animations, and games based on material finds.