Damjanich János Múzeum

About the museum

The plan for a Szolnok museum and library arose at the beginning of the 20th century, but was realised only in the 1930s: in 1933 the Szolnoki Könyvtár- és Múzeumegyesület (Szolnok Library and Museum Association) was formed, and in 1934 the Közkönyvtár és Múzeumi Gyűjtőhely (Public Library and Museum Collection Point) opened. After the Second World War, in 1949, the museum began its work with its first exhibition, the Szolnoki csata (Battle of Szolnok). From 1952 it has occupied the listed building on Kossuth tér, and from the same year it has borne the name of Damjanich János, honvéd general.

The building was constructed in 1860 by Obermayer Lajos; earlier the Magyar Király Szálló (Hungarian King Hotel) operated in it. The museum renovated the whole building between 1989 and 1996; as a result it received the title Az év múzeuma (Museum of the Year), which it was awarded again in 2005. In 2010 a new exhibition, an event room and a display depot opened in the renovated workshop building attached to the main building.

The museum preserves the entire archaeological material of the county, as well as its largest ethnographic, historical and fine-art collections. Five permanent exhibitions are displayed in the building, including the archaeological exhibition, the exhibitions presenting the county’s ethnography and civic life, and the Szolnoki Képtár (Szolnok Picture Gallery); in summer, outdoor programmes are held in the ceremonial courtyard.

Highlights

• Élők háza – holtak hazája (“House of the Living – Land of the Dead”): archaeology of the county
• In the footsteps of the Jászkun captains: a Kun caftan at the entrance
• Szolnok Picture Gallery with First World War paintings by Mednyánszky László
• Crafts as art: pottery and furriers’ trade in the county
• Radio and television collection of Vasziliádisz Anesztisz

Permanent exhibitions

• Élők háza – holtak hazája. Tízezer év települései és temetkezései a Tisza mentén – The archaeological periods of the county, from the Palaeolithic to the Ottoman period, presented with reconstructions and interactive information points; a workshop corner is also included.
• A Jászkun kapitányok nyomában – It recalls the journey of the Cumans and the Jászs to our homeland; visitors can put on a Cuman caftan at the entrance.
• Szolnoki Képtár – A fine-art permanent exhibition in ten rooms on the first floor of the renovated building, including the country’s largest Mednyánszky collection.

Founded

1949

Admission & discounts

Free admission: On the first Saturday of every month, visitors under 26 and up to two close relatives accompanying children under 18 can visit free of charge. Free on national holidays (15 March, 20 August, 23 October) for everyone; also free on 22 January, 18 May and Cultural Heritage Day.

The ticket is valid for one exhibition. Admission is free with the Tájak, Korok, Múzeumok card and with the Hungary Card. Organised groups from county primary and secondary schools can visit the museums free of charge.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

In the archaeological exhibition there is a museum-education workshop corner for younger visitors; age-appropriate museum education lessons for school pupils.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on the main square of Szolnok, opposite the town hall.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The museum also offers hall rental.

Plan your visit