Ludwig Múzeum – Kortárs Művészeti Múzeum
Hungary’s first museum collecting exclusively contemporary art, in the Danube wing of the Müpa, with an international and Central and Eastern European collection.
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About the museum
The museum’s foundation was laid in 1989 by the donation of the German collector couple Peter and Irene Ludwig: they gave seventy significant international works to Hungary, and in 1991 they deposited a further 95 works. The Ludwig Múzeum thus became the first institution of its kind in the region beyond the former Iron Curtain. Its first permanent exhibition opened in 1991 in building A of the Budavári Palota (Buda Castle), organised by the Magyar Nemzeti Galéria (Hungarian National Gallery).
In 1996 the institution became the Kortárs Művészeti Múzeum (Museum of Contemporary Art) and was enriched with significant Hungarian material. In 2005 it moved into the Művészetek Palotája (Palace of Arts), into the Danube wing of today’s Müpa, where it occupies three floors. The exhibition rooms and the terrace offer a view of the Danube and the Gellért-hegy (Gellért Hill). From 1993 until her death in 2007, Néray Katalin led the museum; since 2013 the director has been Fabényi Júlia.
The collection consists of works created from the 1960s to the present day, and in 2023 it numbered more than a thousand items. Its special character is its Central and Eastern European dimension: alongside Hungarian works, works by Slovak, Czech, Polish, Romanian and former Yugoslav artists are included. Thematic selections are made from the collection from time to time; the museum also offers temporary exhibitions, museum education programmes and publications, and it organises Hungary’s participation in the Venice Biennale.
Highlights
- Hungary’s first museum collecting exclusively contemporary art
- International collection built on the donation of the Ludwig couple
- Works by Central and Eastern European artists
- Collection exhibition on the third floor
- Panorama over the Danube from the exhibition rooms and the terrace
- Organising Hungary’s participation at the Venice Biennale
Permanent exhibition
- Big Bang. Táguló gyűjteményi horizontok – The collection exhibition on the third floor follows the growth of the collection chronologically, in twelve thematic units, from the influence of pop culture to ecological art.
- Founded
- 1989
- Director
- Fabényi Júlia
Admission & discounts
| Adults | HUF 3,300 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | HUF 1,650Hungarian and EEA citizens aged 6–26 and 62–70 (50% discount) |
| Children & teens | HUF 1,650Hungarian and EEA citizens aged 6–26 receive a 50% discount. |
| Seniors | HUF 1,650Hungarian and EEA citizens aged 62–70 receive a 50% discount. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Deaf or hard-of-hearing persons, blind or partially sighted persons, persons with mobility impairments, and persons receiving disability support, together with one companion, may visit free of charge upon presentation of a valid card. |
| Students & apprentices | HUF 1,65050% discount for Hungarian and EEA citizens aged 6–26. |
| Groups (11+ people) | HUF 3,100 per personFor groups of more than 10 people; tickets for eligible groups cost HUF 1,600 per person. |
| Families | HUF 5,000Family I (1 parent and 1 child) HUF 5,000; Family II (1 parent and 2–4 children) HUF 7,000; Family III (2 parents and 2–4 children) HUF 9,000. |
| Combined ticket (one temporary and one collection exhibition) | HUF 5,000Group ticket for more than 10 people HUF 4,800 per person; reduced group ticket HUF 2,400 per person. |
| Professional ticket | HUF 1,200For members of professional organisations, with a membership card. |
| Annual pass (full price) | HUF 16,000Personal, valid for 365 days, for all exhibitions and professional programmes. |
| Annual pass (reduced) | HUF 8,000 |
| Family annual pass | HUF 18,000For 2 adults and up to 4 children aged 6 to 18. |
| Museum education programme ticket | HUF 1,200Pensioners HUF 700 per person; school groups under contract HUF 600 per person. |
The ticket for the collection exhibition and for the temporary exhibition each costs HUF 3,300. With a Budapest Card, the museum’s permanent exhibition is free of charge, and the temporary exhibitions can be visited at a 50% discount; with a Müpa concert ticket, admission is free for one visit up to the day of the concert. Persons with a registered residence in District IX receive a 50% discount. Payment is also possible with vouchers (Erzsébet culture voucher, SZÉP card leisure pocket and other vouchers).
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- 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
The building and the exhibitions are fully accessible; a lift runs between the floors. Free wheelchairs can be requested at the information desk (advance notice: infopult@ludwigmuseum.hu, +36 1 555 3444). Accessible parking spaces are in the Müpa underground car park. For visitors with comprehension difficulties, inclusive museum education sessions and integrated weekends are offered (advance registration at least two weeks earlier: muzeumpedagogia@ludwigmuseum.hu).
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | HUF 5,000 · Family I (1 parent and 1 child) HUF 5,000; Family II (1 parent and 2–4 children) HUF 7,000; Family III (2 parents and 2–4 children) HUF 9,000. |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Kids’ birthday parties
Museum education sessions for school groups and families, summer camps and Integrált családi délelőttök (Integrated family mornings). Birthday group for up to 15 children: HUF 40,000.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Müpa – Nemzeti Színház
H7 HÉV and tram 1: Közvágóhíd; trams 2 and 24, buses 23, 54 and 55: Müpa – Nemzeti Színház.
By car
Paid parking
Parking is available in the Müpa underground car park and in the surrounding streets; in the car park the first 15 minutes are free, then HUF 400 per hour.
- Accessible parking
The museum is in the Danube wing of the Müpa. On the Pest side, a cycle path leads to the museum from Fővám tér; bicycle racks and MOL Bubi docking stations are beside the building.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The Ludwig Múzeum Shop is open Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–17:30; it offers contemporary art publications, catalogues and products by Hungarian designers.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
The exhibition and event rooms can be rented for larger corporate events.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours can be requested through the request form; there are also regular guided tours in Hungarian and English. |
