Italian elegance, Hungarian spirit: The Matyó heritage is brought to life in a joint collection by the Museum of Ethnography and the Tuscan manufacturer Busatti

A unique, limited-edition home textile collection was created as a result of a collaboration between the Museum of Ethnography and the historic Italian manufacturer Busatti. Named “Matyó,” the collection blends Hungarian folk art traditions with world-class Italian weaving culture, placing a century-old pattern repertoire in a new, modern context. The Museum of Ethnography, as one of the world’s most modern ethnographic institutions, considers it a priority to convey the knowledge and values preserved in its collections in a living and sustainable way. The institution places great importance on collaborating with family businesses that carry on traditions, such as Busatti, which has been operating in Anghiari, Tuscany, since 1842. The passion for weaving, passed down through eight generations, and the museum’s professional expertise have created a shared platform capable of presenting the Matyó heritage in a value-creating way that meets the expectations of 21st-century design. 

The collection is based on a Matyó apron made in 1939, which is on display in the “Heritage” section of the museum’s permanent exhibition. Matyó folk art, which has been part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list since 2012, is not merely a decorative art form, but also a bearer of a community’s identity. The “Matyó” collection goes beyond simple product development: it is a manifestation of the museum’s innovative approach and value-creating mission, bringing one of the most important elements of Hungarian folk art heritage into the world of contemporary design. The encounter between the unique, hand-woven textiles of the Busatti workshop and motifs inspired by the museum’s artifacts proves that the embroidery culture and patterns of traditional communities are still capable of providing a relevant aesthetic experience today. 

The Matyó Busatti collection is available exclusively at the Museum of Ethnography's Etnoshop and on etnoshop.hu, and starting March 25, 2026, it will also be on display at Le Parfum – Zsolt Zólyomi's Perfumery in the MOM Park shopping center.