During the nineteenth century, when many Central European countries remained under Habsburg rule, art and culture became powerful expressions of national identity. One hundred years after the end of Habsburg dominance in Central Europe, this fascinating study day explores the artistic and cultural life of Vienna, Prague and Budapest.
Beginning in Vienna at the turn of the twentieth century, we encounter a city that produced remarkable figures including Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Gustav Mahler and Sigmund Freud. We then move to Prague, where artists, writers and composers helped shape the Czech cultural revival and forge a new sense of national identity. Finally, we visit Budapest, where architecture, music and visual culture played a central role in the development of modern Hungary.
Through three richly illustrated lectures, Gavin Plumley explores how art, music, literature and architecture transformed the cultural landscape of Central Europe and helped define emerging nations.
Gavin Plumley is a writer and broadcaster who appears regularly on BBC Radio 3 and Radio 4 and contributes to newspapers, magazines, opera and concert programmes worldwide. He lectures extensively on the culture of Central Europe and has presented talks for organisations including the Royal Opera House, the National Gallery, the National Trust, the National Theatre, the British Museum and the V&A. His first book, A Home for All Seasons, is out now.
Bookings are open exclusively to members of The Arts Society Corinium until 31 July 2026.
Subject to availability, bookings from visitors and members of other Arts Society societies will be accepted from 1 August 2026.
Please indicate your menu choices and advise us of any allergies or dietary requirements when booking.
REFRESHMENTS
Arrival Refreshments: Tea, coffee and a selection of herbal teas, with a selection of biscuits.
Mid-Morning Refreshments: Tea, coffee and a selection of herbal teas, with Coconut and Cranberry Oat Flapjacks.
LUNCH MENU
Main Course Choices
M1: Hearty Hungarian Beef Goulash
A hearty, slow-cooked stew of beef, onions and Hungarian sweet paprika, simmered with diced potatoes and bell peppers; served on spaetzle egg noodles with a side of sauerkraut and Modra Kapusta – sweet and sour braised red cabbage.
M2: Alpine Müllerin-Art Sea Bass
Classic Swiss-style sea bass soaked in milk and dredged in flour, pan-fried in foaming butter until golden, bathed in nutty browned butter with lemon and parsley; served on spaetzle egg noodles with a side of sauerkraut and Modra Kapusta – sweet and sour braised red cabbage.
M3: Polish Pierogi Ruskie (Vegetarian)
Traditional Polish dumplings stuffed with a savoury cheese and potato filling, topped with crispy fried onions and sour cream; served on a bed of Mizeria – ribbons of cucumber in a sour cream salad – with a side of sauerkraut and Modra Kapusta – sweet and sour braised red cabbage.
Dessert Choices
D1: German Apple Sour Cream Cake
A Polish-German classic using soured cream for a light, incredibly moist sponge, layered with tart apples and finished with a crumble topping.
D2: Cheeseboard Plate
Coastal Cheddar, Cropwell Bishop Stilton and French Brie served with quince membrillo, figs, dates, apricots and crackers.
VENUE
Cirencester Baptist Church is a large, airy, modern building. The hall is fully equipped with audio-visual facilities and a hearing loop.
Car parking is available at the front and rear of the church. Reserved parking spaces for Blue Badge holders are available at the front of the building. Additional on-street parking is available nearby. Please respect the marked private parking areas belonging to neighbouring properties.
In the event of circumstances beyond our control, The Arts Society Corinium reserves the right to cancel or rearrange this event and is unable to guarantee a full refund. A refund will not normally be given if a booking is cancelled. However, a booking may be transferred to another person. We will require that person's name, email address and telephone number.