Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum

About the museum

The Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum (Hungarian National Museum) was founded in 1802 by Count Széchényi Ferenc, who donated his collection from Nagycenk to the nation. In chronological order, it was the third national museum in Europe. The collection was first housed in the Pauline monastery in Pest, then in the old university building; the 1807 Diet took it into national ownership and called on the public to contribute.

The separate building, designed by Pollack Mihály in Neoclassical style, was constructed between 1837 and 1847. The main staircase’s walls and ceiling have been decorated since 1875 with frescoes by Lotz Károly and Than Mór. The building also played a part in the 1848 revolution: on 15 March the square in front of it was the scene of the uprising, and the central state commemoration of the national holiday has been held there ever since.

As the collections outgrew the building, the Iparművészeti Múzeum (Museum of Applied Arts, 1872), the Szépművészeti Múzeum (Museum of Fine Arts, 1896) and the Természettudományi Múzeum (Museum of Natural Sciences) became independent. Today the museum, which holds several million objects, presents the past of the former inhabitants of the Carpathian Basin and Hungarian history from archaeological finds to the present day.

Highlights

• Archaeological exhibition from the Early Stone Age to the Hungarian Conquest of the Carpathian Basin
• The history of Hungary from the foundation of the state to 1990
• Lapidarium – Roman stone collection and medieval stone collection
• Neoclassical building by Pollack Mihály, with frescoes by Lotz Károly and Than Mór
• The Museum Garden (Múzeumkert) is open from 05:30 to 21:00

Permanent exhibitions

• Kelet és Nyugat határán – The archaeological exhibition presents the history of the peoples of the Hungarian lands from the Early Stone Age to the Hungarian Conquest.
• Magyarország története I. – The first half of the historical exhibition covers the history of the country from the foundation of the state to the early 18th century.
• Magyarország története II. – The second part of the exhibition leads from 1703 to 1990, through the modern age and the most recent period.

Founded

1802

Operated by

Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum Közgyűjteményi Központ

Director

Csorba László

Admission & discounts

Free admission: On the third Saturday of every month, under-26s and up to two close relatives accompanying children under 18 (Hungarian and EEA citizens) may visit the permanent exhibitions free of charge. On national holidays (15 March, 20 August, 23 October), all of the museum’s own exhibitions are free for everyone.

Discounts require a document proving eligibility and a photo ID. Free tickets must be requested at the cash desk; they cannot be requested online. Temporary exhibitions can be visited with the ticket for the permanent exhibitions.

Accessibility

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

The step-free entrance is on the left-hand side of the museum, from Bródy Sándor utca; staff at the entrance help visitors get around the building, including with the lift and the accessible toilet. Tactile objects are available for visually impaired visitors in the permanent exhibition, and special tours can be requested. Information: +36 30 811 4794.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

Family discovery backpack, the programmes Apróságokkal a múzeumban (With the Little Ones in the Museum) and Családdal a múzeumban (With the Family in the Museum), and family days. Changing tables are in the women’s toilets on the ground floor and the mezzanine; the baby and mother room is beside the ground-floor buffet. Pushchairs can be brought in through the step-free entrance on Bródy Sándor utca.

Getting there & parking

The cycle path runs directly past the museum along Múzeum körút. MOL Bubi station: Bródy Sándor utca – Múzeum körút (0805) and Kálvin tér (0905).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check

Buffet on the ground floor and the first floor, where food brought from outside may also be eaten. Museum shop on the first floor. The cloakroom is free of charge; leaving large bags, rucksacks and coats is mandatory.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Plan your visit