Hungarian Cultural Centre, London

Hungarian Cultural Centre, 10 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 7NA, England

Established by the Government of the Republic of Hungary, the Hungarian Cultural Centre in London acts as an envoy of Hungarian culture, art and social sciences, in a way similar to the British Council in Budapest.

Based in Covent Garden, in an impressive wing of a theatre, the Centre operates alongside the Hungarian Embassy, but, unlike the Diplomatic Mission, it is governed by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage.

It is this cultural heritage, unique and colourful, but still obscured by the legacy of the Iron Curtain, and, by a language barrier often insurmountable for foreigners, that the new Cultural Centre is endeavouring to open up for audiences in the United Kingdom.

After four decades of Communist influence, Hungary has been striving to regain its long established European identity, in terms of both politics and culture. The Centre is representing the dynamic, creative and charming cultural image reflecting the new momentum that has been revitalising Hungary.

As politicians are preparing the way for Hungary to join the European Union, the Cultural Centre is working on lifting the barriers – cultural, financial, or often simply bureaucratic – ahead of Hungarian works, artists and performers, while it also acts as a 'matchmaker' for young Hungarian talent, introducing them to contacts in the UK. The Centre also assists in the organisation of cultural and scientific exchange programmes.

The Hungarian Cultural Centre regards the growing community of Hungarian ex-pats as an important asset in promoting Hungarian culture, and draws on their wide ranging contacts and experience.

The Centre also offers an Information Service and a Reading Room, and its large hall can accommodate small exhibitions, conferences and live performances.