Budapest could well be known as the city of museums rather than the city of spas or the pearl of the Danube. The number, variety and quality of its museums is impressive and it is positioned as one of the young talents on the European cultural scene. 

The history of Hungary and its capital is long and full of conflicts and wars. All these events, deeds and pain have been captured to perfection by local artists in painting, sculpture and photography. 

Although we will not only look at the traditional museums, in this comprehensive guide we will try to accommodate all kinds of art lovers, transport, food, optical illusions and a few more surprises. Put on your most comfortable shoes and get ready for this walk through the most impressive Budapest.

 

ART MUSEUMS IN BUDAPEST

 

Hungarian National Museum

Múzeum krt. 14-16, 1088 

This imposing neoclassical building has laid the foundations of Hungarian history, archaeology and art since the mid-19th century. Although it was founded in 1802 in connection with the establishment of the Széchényi National Library by Count Ferenc Széchényi. 

Due to state support and its rapid growth, it was moved in 1846, barely half a century old, to its present location and the incredible building we enjoy today. It was a symbol of the revolution of 15 March 1848, which is still celebrated as a bank holiday.

The museum, the largest in the country, has seven permanent exhibitions. It tells the story of the country’s origins with an extensive collection of archaeological artefacts from prehistoric times to the communist era.

It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00 and the garden is open daily from 5:30 to 21:00.

 

Hungarian National Gallery

Szent György tér 2, 1014 

A place with so many works of art deserves a setting as incomparable as its interior. The Gallery, also known as Magyar Nemzeti Galéria, is located in the royal palace of Buda Castle and was inaugurated in 1957 as the National Art Museum. Don’t forget to enjoy the dome and the view from the belvedere. 

Its incredible collection is a journey of Hungarian art in all its expressions, from medieval triptychs to 20th century modernism, including medieval, Renaissance, Gothic, Baroque and Hungarian Renaissance art. 

As for the artworks, you can enjoy numerous works by Hungarian sculptors, as well as exhibiting photographs by great Hungarian artists such as the eternal Gyula Halász, better known by his pseudonym; Brassai. The Gallery houses paintings by, among others, the landscape painter Károly Markó or the portrait painter József Borsos.

 

Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art

Komor Marcell u. 1, 1095

Irene and Peter Ludwig were the founders of the Ludwig Museum, later on known as Museum of Contemporary Art. The basis of these institutions was in 1982, when they both established the Ludwig Foundation for Arts and International Understanding. They held a private collection, from  antiquities to contemporary pieces, made of more than 12 thousand works of art. 

The Ludwig Museum, formerly open in Buda Castle, is integrated within the Müpa Budapest building, formerly known as the Palace of the Arts, which opened in 2005. With contemporary styling, straight lines and a predominance of glass, this masterpiece is home to the Béla Bartók National Concert Hall, the Festival Theatre, and, of course, the Ludwig Museum – Museum of Contemporary Art.

The Béla Bartók National Concert Hall holds 1700 seats and it is considered one of the best concert halls in the world in terms of acoustics. It is home of the National Philharmonic and Music Library. The Festival Theatre has capacity for 452 people and it is the home to the National Dance Theatre.

Lastly, The Museum has an area of 12,000 m2 with a collection of pieces which goes from modern to contemporary art, from American pop art, with artists as well-known as Andy Warhol or Claes Oldenburg, to Eastern and Central European art, as well as temporary exhibitions. But perhaps the greatest of his works is the building itself.

 

Szépművészeti Múzeum (Museums of Fine Arts)

Dózsa György út 41, 1146

The Museum of Fine Arts, Szépművészeti Múzeum, is an impressive and imposing building located on Heroes’ Square. Its design was made possible by architects Albert Schickedanz and Fülöp Herzog, and its construction was carried out between 1900 and 1906.

By looking through its more than 100,000 pieces and works of art, we can travel to any period in the history of European art, not just Hungarian. It has six clearly differentiated sections or departments: Egyptian, Antique, Old sculpture gallery, Old master paintings gallery, Modern collection and Graphics collection.

A curious detail that we would like to highlight is the success of one of its most visited rooms; The Romanesque main hall. This hall remained closed for 70 years, used as a storage room after the bombings of the Second World War. Its interior mimics that of a Romanesque basilica, with monumental columns and pillars. It is thought to have been designed by Albert Schickedanz and Fülöp Herzog and decorated and painted by Károly Miksa Reissmann and János Glaser. If you want to know more about this impressive room, you’ll have to see it for yourself.

 

Kunsthalle (MűcsarnokMücsarnok)

Dózsa György út 37, 1146

The Kunsthalle Art Palace, or MűcsarnokMücsarnok, is located in Heroes’ Square, guarding the square in front of the Museum of Fine Arts, Szépművészeti Múzeum, which we have just mentioned. A place as emblematic as Heroes’ Square could not be better guarded.

The Palace of Art, which opened in its current location in 1896, is a museum which focuses on contemporary art, where you can enjoy the best of the national and international art scene. It has a neo-classical appearance and has both permanent and temporary exhibitions, which always focus on the contemporary period.

 

Hungarian House of Photography – Mai Manó House

Nagymező u. 20, 1065

Mai Manó, Imperial, Royal Court, and well known and respected photographer of the middle 19th century and beginning of the 20th. When photography was not yet considered the art it is today, he fought to give it the prestige it deserves. 

The building is a masterpiece in itself, with a classical façade, full of ceramics and frescoes. It was declared a piece of national heritage in 1996 considering its ornaments, architecture, and historical significance.   

Its permanent exhibition is presented on three of its floors. In addition, group presentations of local artists, retrospective exhibitions of great photographers from home and abroad are organised. Photography lovers, this is your place.

 

Koller Gallery

Táncsics Mihály u. 5, 1014

In 1953 the gallerist György Koller founded the Association of Hungarian Engravers. That was the very first step toward what would happen in 1980, the opening of the first private gallery of Hungary. It was in the atelier-house of the friend sculptor Amerigo Tot.

Since then the gallery has presented everything from paintings to sculptures and, of course, a multitude of graphic artists.The gallery does not just represent the modern and contemporary sculptors and painters, but Hungarian and international art at high standard.

 

Victor Vasarely Museum

Szentlélek tér 6, 1033

Museum of the great artist Victor Vasarely, considered by many to be the main precursor and father of op art, i.e. optical art. The museum’s incredible collection of more than 400 works was chosen and donated by the artist himself during his lifetime. 

The gallery offers a journey through Victor’s professional career, from his first works, graphics for advertising purposes, to the great works of the 1960s and 1970s that established him as the genius he is today.

 

Imre Varga Collection (Gyűjtemény)

Laktanya u. 7, 1033

Imre Varga, for those who do not know his work or his person, is a graphic artist, designer, painter and sculptor. Although it has been this last facet that has led him to achieve his greatest achievements. His sculptures walk the streets as well as resting in museums and galleries. He is considered one of the most talented Hungarian sculptors in history. 

His museum, The Imre Varga Collection, displays pieces of art of his creation in the different fields he mastered.

 

Róth miksa museum

Nefelejcs u. 26, 1078 

Miksa Róth was a Hungarian glass painter and mosaic maker. His work is a silent and colourful testimony to his great skill and artistry, a gift to the world that will last for years to come. You can find his work scattered throughout Hungary’s most famous buildings, as well as in other countries such as Norway, the Netherlands and Mexico. 

Miksa Róth bought a building in 1911 which was later on rebuilt with the help of his friend, the architect Samu Petz, adding also a workshop back in the back of the yard. It is this building that today houses the small museum that pays tribute to his career and work.

 

HISTORIC MUSEUMS IN BUDAPEST

 

Budapest History Museum & Castle Museum

Szent György tér 2, 1014

The museum has a privileged location; the southern wing of Buda Castle. The museum shows the history of Budapest from prehistory to the communist era. Walk through moments of history through the Gothic hall, the former castle chapel or rooms of the medieval palace.

In order to carry out its main objective, to preserve and bring the nation’s history to the people, you can enjoy permanent exhibitions, with gothic statues, Ottoman remains, Roman relics and even a Hungarian-Anjou silk carpet.

 

Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

Lovas út 4/c, 1012 

Since 1935, the Rock Hospital has been a place that has had various uses throughout its history; a place of refuge for the war, a Vaccine-producing Institution, a Revolutionary Hospital, a Nuclear Bunker, a Civil Defence Forces Store and, finally, a museum. 

Its 2,300 square metres under the Buda Castle quarter tell the story of the last wars and revolutions on Hungarian soil. It was in 2007 that it was renovated to house the museum that can be enjoyed today with a large guided tour. In 2008 it opened its doors to the public.

 

House of Terror Museum

Andrássy út 60, 1062

A place with a lot of history behind it and which now shows it to the world. History and stories of fear, horror, torture and pain. Although it is hard, it is a story that should be told and known by all. In 2002 it opened its doors to all who want to know the story of those who were victims of the fascist and communist regimes.

Its walls have given shelter to, among others, the headquarters of the secret police. You can explore all its floors, from the basement to the top floor, learning about the past, with interactive activities, exhibitions and displays of great content and quality. It is a must-see in Hungary’s capital.

 

Holocaust Memorial Center

Páva u. 39, 1094

It is a tough place to go, as it tells the harsh reality of what happened during the harsh years of the war and its aftermath; the Holocaust in Hungary. It is located around an incredible 1920s synagogue in the IX District.

The memorial is a lesson for humanity, a cry not to repeat the mistakes of the past, showing its horrors. From interactive displays to objects as personal as eyeglasses and children’s toys. A must-see for those who want to learn about the harshness of history.

 

Memento Park

Balatoni út – Szabadkai utca sarok, 1222

Memento Park is an open-air museum dedicated to the communist period in the country. Its roots were deep and for years its influence was tremendously strong, which is why Hungarians, instead of burying everything, clearly show their communist past. 

You will find statues of Lenin, Marx and Engels, among many other Hungarian communist leaders, as well as plaques and objects. Alongside the statues you can visit other attractions such as the Storage Showroom, Barrack Cinema, the Stalin’s Grandstand and the Photo Exhibition. Together they create a great overall attraction that will transport you to the country’s not-so-distant past.

 

Hungarian Jewish Museum and Archives

Dohány u. 2, 107

The history of the museum is full of battles won and of rowing against the tide. Its origin was in an apartment in the city centre and its intention was clear: to make the Jewish community known to the whole world. We are talking about the beginning of the 20th century and by then they already had an important collection, reaching 1500 objects and documents. 

However, the museum’s great leap forward took place in 1931, when the Great Dohány Street Synagogue was restructured to make room for this place, in addition to the acquisition of the plot of land next door. By fitting out its premises plus the new building, this institution, which is now part of the Jewish community, was opened. 

At present, the collection includes Judaica objects and the most comprehensive Jewish community archives of Europe.

 

Hungarian Agricultural Museum (Magyar Mezogazdasagi Muzeum)

Vajdahunyad stny., 1146

Few museums have such a privileged location as this one. Both the location and the structure and decoration are well worth a visit. In itself, it is a must-see, almost no matter what is on display. But if you also have interesting exhibits on display, then a visit should be on your must-see list. 

The museum is located inside the grand Vajdahunyad Castle. This is a 19th century building located in the middle of the City Park. It is based on a Transylvanian castle. As you can see, it has all the elements to be a guaranteed stop on your itinerary through the city. 

In operation since June 1907, it has a unique collection of tools, artefacts and documents on agriculture, fishing, viticulture and hunting among many other categories, as it also has a complete library.

 

In memoriam 1956. October 25. Memorial and Exhibition

Kossuth Lajos tér 6-8, 1055

Next to the Parliament is this permanent exhibition on the events of the 1956 Hungarian revolution. Opened in October 2014, it pays tribute to the victims of the shooting on the date commemorated in the exhibition’s title. 

The 350 square metre exhibition provides accurate information about the event accompanied by images, objects and excerpts from films and documentaries. There is also a map showing some of the places where the executions took place. It is a place to understand the terrible pain suffered by the Hungarian people.

 

Kiscelli Museum

Kiscelli u. 108, 1037 

Walking through the Óbuda neighbourhood, you will discover this museum that combines the customs and ceremonies of the people of Budapest. You will be able to see how people lived from the 18th to the 20th century, with furniture, customs and objects of all kinds. 

It has a large permanent exhibition and several temporary exhibitions each year, in which memories of communism are mixed with contemporary pictorical works. It’s a real walk through the history and evolution of both the city and the town itself.

 

TRANSPORT MUSEUMS IN BUDAPEST

Aeropark Budapest

BUD Nemzetközi Repülőtér, 1185

This museum is like nothing you have ever visited before. Discover the museum of Hungarian aviation history at the airport, travel through decades of history, experience what it was like to fly between Hungarian cities 40 years ago, hear stories from industry experts and aviation legends, and even fly a helicopter. In a simulator of course. 

It’s a place full of adventure, history and things to do. A different kind of museum with lots of things to discover, whether or not you’re a big fan of the world of aviation. Also, find out more about the night tour.

 

Hungarian Railway Museum (Magyar Vasuttorteneti Park)

Tatai u. 95, 1142

This museum will delight train and railway lovers. It has more than 70,000 m2, with all kinds of machinery, wagons and elements that will take you through the incredible history of trains, from the steam trains of the 19th century to the electric trains of today. 

Since its inauguration in July 2000, it has received thousands and thousands of visitors who have not only been able to enjoy the machines on display, but also its great location, as it is situated in a fantastic outdoor setting. Ideal for a trip with the children.

 

Millennium Underground Museum 

Budapest, Deák tér, metro station

This museum houses something unique as it commemorates something that no one else can house; the first underground railway of Europe. Its inauguration was on 2 May 1896 and the museum opened in 1975. 

The museum has the goal to introduce the history of this underground and the Budapest metro to everyone. Here you will learn about the history of the city, with original objects and documents of the time as well as models and real machinery. In addition to its permanent exhibition, it has temporary exhibitions to address different themes of underground transport. It’s the perfect place for trains and history buffs alike.

 

Urban Public Transport Museum Szentendre 

2000 Szentendre, Dózsa Gy. Street, suburban railway station 

It displays the history of Budapest and its neighbourhoods through the history of public transport. The place used to be useful for the public service until the place wasn´t big enough for the storage and maintenance of trains with big passenger carrying capacity. 

Since July 1992, it has housed five exhibition halls and two display halls. Here you can find everything from the history of public transport in Budapest and other Hungarian cities to the technology and tools used in the last century and today.

 

DIFFERENT, FUN & GEEKY MUSEUMS IN BUDAPEST

 

Budapest Pinball Museum (Flippermúzeum)

Radnóti Miklós u. 18, 1137

Your inner child, and the one outside if you’re accompanied by one, will have a great time in this museum, which looks like anything but a museum. 

A trip to a retro past thanks to these fantastic Pinball machines, a total of 130 spread over 400 square metres. You’ll see them as old as 1880 and yes, they all work and are there for you to enjoy. Leave the loose change at the hotel, with your ticket you can use them all without paying extra. This is a real interactive museum.

 

Museum of Sweets & Selfies (Szelfimúzeum) No.1: Origin

Paulay Ede u. 43, 1061

Don’t come to this museum if selfies aren’t your thing. Either you won’t enjoy yourself, or you’ll be your companion’s photographer for the whole afternoon. Come to have a good time, to let yourself be carried away by the good vibes transmitted by its facilities and take all the photos you want in one of the most peculiar museums in the world. Because don’t forget, this is a museum, although here you can make some noise.

400 square metres on two floors where you’ll find everything from flamingos and unicorns to a swimming pool full of pearls. 11 rooms plus the museum to give free rein to your imagination and have a great time.

 

Museum of Sweets & Selfies (Szelfimúzeum) No.2: Bubbles

Rákóczi út 40, 1072

If the previous museum was too small for you or you’d simply love to see more of its creators’ cool concepts, here’s the solution; a second location with new rooms and ideas. 

Among some of the new features you’ll find the first bubble pool bar, with a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. We can’t reveal much more about the interior, but we can only say that if you enjoyed their first museum, this option will exceed your expectations.

 

Trash Art Museum

Dohány u. 30./A, 1074. Entrance through the entrance of BAZ Beer Bar

When we talk about a museum with a difference, this is without a doubt one of the most unique and different museums you will ever visit. It is the first museum on Hungarian soil to show an exhibition with scrap metal. 

In its 260 square metres you will find figures made from used and recycled car parts. And don’t think they are small figures, some of them are huge and will leave you open-mouthed thanks to their great precision. A perfect example is the Alien figure, when you see it you will understand the value of this great museum.

 

Museum of Illusions Budapest

Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 3, 1065

Put all your senses to the test and discover if your eyes are lying to you in this museum that is as unique as it is essential. Nothing is what it seems and what it seems, in reality it is not, come in, enjoy and laugh. 

Photos are allowed, and they do you a favour because people won’t believe what you tell them without seeing it with their own eyes. Try the attraction that will make you spin and think you’re stepping on an earthquake while standing on the flattest possible surface, enter the Mirror Room and dozens of other effects. Have a fun and different time. Recommended for both adults and children.

 

Travelling Galaxy Exhibition

Kecskeméti u. 5, 1053

If you are a Star Wars fan, this is definitely the place to visit before any of the other monuments in Budapest. 

This large exhibition, which features figures, miniatures and over two hundred objects from the saga, focuses on the original saga, Episodes IV, V & VI, and offers visitors a variety of characters and sets unique in the country and almost unheard of on the continent. Every detail has been meticulously thought out and even if you’re not a big fan of the saga and are accompanied by someone who is, you’ll have a fantastic time admiring the quality of what’s on display here.

 

TASTY MUSEUMS IN BUDAPEST

 

Chocolate Museum

Kossuth Lajos tér 10, 1055

It’s going to be hard to find a museum with a sweeter and tastier history than this one, welcome to the chocolate museum. Here you can do and discover everything you’ve always imagined a chocolate museum should have. 

You can learn about the history of chocolate, the techniques and tools used to make it, discover different varieties, marzipan figures and miniatures, visit an old shop from the 1920s and take part in a tasting session. 

You can also take a tour, where everything will be explained in detail, taste the different varieties of chocolate and cocoa and even get hands-on with your own chocolate bar. Sweet lovers from all over the world, this is the place for you.

 

House of Unicum (Unicum Haz)

Dandár u. 1, 1095

Unicum, for those who don’t know it, is a very popular herbal liqueur in Hungarian culture. Most of the herbs, and spices used in Unicum come from the Carpathian basin, but not all of the ingredients are from there. And what is known as the “heart” of Unicum is the set of secret ingredients known only to a few members of the family. 

The Zwack Company was founded in 1840, although the precious liquid was invented in 1790, and its liquor is used as a digestive, commonly used in all Hungarian bars and restaurants, and is even a remedy for colds. More than a drink, it is a cultural symbol. 

Immerse yourself in its history, production and taste by visiting this impressive museum.