The 26 Hungarian cultural institutes working in 24 countries of the world play a distinguished role in popularizing the outstanding achievements of Hungarian culture, education, and sciences on an international level as well as in contributing to the reputation of a value-based Hungary.
The network of institutes aims to improve the recognition of Hungary abroad and to build and foster the cultural relations between Hungarian people living within and beyond the borders of Hungary.
The building of the Collegium Hungaricum in Rome, Palazzo Falconieri, offers a unique panorama from its loggia. Attached to the rail of the balustrade are statues of Janus-Jana faces.
The core activity of institutes are:
Apart from the core activities, individual institutes may have different functions, services, and means to fulfil their tasks. The so-called Collegium Hungaricums, for example, play a distinguished role in organizing education and scientific life up to the present day. Some of the institutes include libraries, whereas others maintain language teaching centres or galleries.
In 2014, the framework of Hungarian foreign policy was revised and the entire cultural diplomacy network was transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The integration of the management and of the institutional system in the field of cultural diplomacy was an exceptionally important part of the transformation. Since 2016, the cultural institutes continue their work as part of the Hungarian foreign representation network but preserving their professional independence.
The exhibition and event hall of the Hungarian Cultural Institute in Tokyo. The ceiling evokes traditional Hungarian lace motifs, designed by Anett Ficzere, Ferenczy Noémi Prize-winning interior designer.
