Festetics-kastély

About the museum

For two centuries from the mid-18th century, the Festetics-kastély in Keszthely was the home of the Festetics family, one of the most important comital and later princely families in Hungary. Construction was begun by Festetics Kristóf between 1745 and 1750; the central and east wing of the present building date from this period. From 1792, Festetics I. György had the castle rebuilt, and the classicising late Baroque library wing was built at that time. Festetics II. Tasziló extended it between 1883 and 1887 in Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo style, according to plans by Victor Rumpelmayer; it then acquired its present U shape, tower and mansard roof.

Unlike most Hungarian manor houses, the interior of the castle partly survived the Second World War intact: after the family left in September 1944, the most valuable objects were gathered into the walled-up library and the adjoining rooms, so they survived the war in their original places. From its foundation in 1974 until 2012 the institution operated as the Helikon Kastélymúzeum (Helikon Castle Museum); since 2024 its official name has been Festetics-kastély, Keszthely.

Visitors find six permanent exhibitions in six buildings. The interior exhibition of the castle, which opened partly in 1974 and fully in 1976, presents aristocratic life in the 18th and 19th centuries, including the Helikon Könyvtár (Helikon Library) with more than 80,000 volumes. The carriage exhibition is in the former coach house, and the hunting exhibition and one of Europe’s largest historical model railways are in a converted building. The castle park and the Palmaház (Palm House) are complemented by a bird park and a historical playhouse.

Highlights

• Noble interior exhibition with more than twenty rooms
• Helikon Library, the only intact private noble library in Hungary
• Carriage exhibition in the former coach house
• Hunting exhibition and historical model railway
• Castle park, bird park and historical playhouse

Permanent exhibitions

• Főúri életforma és Helikon Könyvtár – The 18th- and 19th-century interiors of more than twenty rooms of the castle, and the only intact private noble library in Hungary.
• Hintókiállítás – 18th- and 19th-century carriages, coaches and sleighs in the former coach house.
• Vadászati kiállítás – Trophies of game shot on five continents, alongside the historical model railway exhibition.

Founded

1974

Operated by

Nemzeti Örökségvédelmi Fejlesztési Nonprofit Kft.

Admission & discounts

Prices may change during events. The Kastélykártya (Castle Card) gives a 20% discount on the full-price combined ticket, and in the shop and café.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Most services are accessible; the castle tower cannot be visited by wheelchair users. A lift takes visitors to the upper-floor rooms of the castle (security guards help with its use), and an accessible toilet is on the ground floor next to the ticket office. Wheelchairs can be used on the gravel paths of the park. There is a designated space in the car park for persons with reduced mobility. Only assistance dogs may be brought in.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Playground / play area

Historical playhouse for 2–10-year-olds, family programmes, the bird park and the garden miniature railway.

Getting there & parking

Electric scooter and bicycle charging station beside the bicycle rental. Keszthely can also be reached by regional bus services.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Lady Hamilton Kávéház (Lady Hamilton Café) in the castle; gift shop in the castle and in the Vadászati Múzeum (Hunting Museum).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Conferences, receptions, formal dinners, family celebrations and wedding ceremonies can be held in the castle’s rooms.

Plan your visit