MELINDA ESTERHÁZY
Exhibition Design
Melinda Esterházy (1920–2014) was a famous dancer, with an ambitious career and a humble personality off-stage – although being the last princess of the high aristocratic Austrian-Hungarian Esterházy tycoon tribe. Her versatile character is displayed throughout an exhibition in Eisenstadt, Austria.
The mise-en-scène of the exhibition refers to the metaphor of a theatrical stage. Room by room, the visitors can follow the different phases of Melinda’s life – like experiencing an opera play. Five acts are the focal points of the exhibition and bring the former prima ballerina to life – like back at the Budapest State Opera, where she danced during the 1930s and 40s.
Spatial production, light and all materials give the whole exhibition design a unique theatrical touch that blends into the historical building of the castle residency. Curtains, room texts on fabric and stage lightening literally orchestrate the objects.
A 360° canvas screens an audiovisual piece that surrounds the visitors with Melinda Esterházy’s career. Central motif is dance itself: abstractly animated, and with some historical highlights of Melinda’s shows. Movie and music embrace the spectator with mesmerizing visuals and images.
Just like at a theatre or opera, visitors receive a playbill on the exhibition instead of an exhibition catalogue. The illustrated booklet narrates Melinda’s story in five acts, accompanies and complements a tour through the exhibition.
The exhibition invitation represents the elegancy of Melinda Esterházy’s aristocratic background through embossed details and an especially made Esterházy seal.
