A subculture is thriving in the heart of the Budapest’s Eighth District, where they are giving a whole new meaning to the concept of community building. The Turbina has been operating for three years and its activities are both a cultural space and an underground nightclub, creating a completely new form of service.

In October 2021, the Turbina Cultural Centre opened in Vajdahunyad Street in the 8th district, which now refers to itself as Turbina. The 1,300 square metre complex is an all-arts and community space where techno, electronic dance music and live music can be combined with programmes such as theatre performances, creative workshops, craft fairs, round-table discussions, exhibitions and children’s activities.

“The Turbina is one of the few art centres in Hungary that is completely self-sustaining. When we created it, we wanted to create a niche, open and welcoming space where all art forms are represented at all times of the day. And we planned to dedicate the night hours to underground music, a subject close to our hearts. Our main goal is to develop the electronic and live music scene in Hungary and also to nurture different aspects of subcultures,” said Gábor Manek, co-founder of Turbina.

The expert said that the Hungarian music industry is going through a difficult time, which is why one of the house’s missions is to keep concert culture alive. Often in a week, up to 9-10 bands from almost all genres, from trap to meta, can be found in one of the halls of the complex. It’s also known for its clubbing scene, and since opening it has become one of Budapest’s biggest nightclubs. In three years, Turbina has become an inescapable centre of the Hungarian techno scene, attracting the genre’s best-known representatives from all over the world every week.

In addition to music, contemporary art also has a special place in the house. It regularly hosts theatre performances and gives space to emerging and established directors. Their gallery has also hosted photography exhibitions that have portrayed aspects of war or the world of musical subcultures. They consider it important to engage in social dialogue, to explore thought-provoking themes that inspire and provoke.

In September, a new series of events will be launched, featuring educational content from the German animation studio Kurzgesagt. The first debate will take place on 25 September and will feature a rabbi, a priest and a Buddhist pastor who will give their views on the beginning, end and meaning of life. The three religions will be represented by Dr. Tamás Verő, Rabbi of the Frankel Jewish Community, Attila Meláth, Pastor of the Baptist Congregation of Váci and Zoltán Cser, Director of the Tan Kapuja Buddhist Church and teacher at the Tan Kapuja Buddhist College. Interactivity is an important part of the debate, so participants will be able to join in the dialogue at the end.