Gyula Benczur Art Academy

Gyula Benczur is an emblematic figure of the late 19th, early 20th century Hungarian artistic scene, renown both as a painting and as a teacher. Since 1995, the Hungarian ‘Pro Arte & Natura‘ (PNA) foundation -a non-profit organisation dedicated to Hungarian heritage and environment- has been claiming the right to use Benczur’s manor house and atelier as the ‘Gyula Benczur Art Academy’ headquarters. Located in Benczurfalva, a rural area in Norther Hungary, the manor had been confiscated in the early days of the communist regime (1947-1989).

In 2005, PNA called upon GAIA-heritage to design the Academy’s concept and activities within the manor house. The final report included a museum of Hungarian paintings, documentation and residence facilities for visiting artists, scholars and students, art courses, and performing arts and musical events. GAIA -heritage also helped PNA identify the financial contributors necessary for the launching of the programme.