Szamos Marzipan Exhibition and Workshop

On a quaint, stone walking street in Szentendre, Hungary, an art gallery exists at the intersection of Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum and Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. 

The Szamos marzipan empire occupies a sizable stretch of road, welcoming visitors with its candy-striped awnings, a summertime ice cream stand, and an assortment of confections beckoning from the window. But inside, more than edible delights await. Szamos also operates a sweet, nutty exhibit filled with marzipan art. 

Guests can ponder Budapest’s parliament building, Princess Diana, and Mickey Mouse, all immortalized in sugary almond paste. Using candy as a medium, artists meticulously crafted scenes depicting fairy tales, bible stories, cartoon characters, and celebrities. The space highlights the art of marzipan-making, as well as the work of Mátyás Szamos and Károly Szabó, two renowned Hungarian confectioners. 

After working up an appetite, patrons can pick up local delicacies such as Unicum, wine, spices, cured meats, and an assortment of sweet treats in the attached shop.