Magyar Természettudományi Múzeum

About the museum

The natural science collection grew out of the Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum (Hungarian National Museum): Széchényi Ferenc donated his collection to the nation in 1802, and his wife’s mineral collection formed the basis of the natural science department. Over a century the collection developed to a standard worthy of the Monarchy, and collecting expeditions reached beyond Europe.

The Second World War caused little damage, and after the war exhibition activity gained new momentum. After the Afrika-kiállítás (Africa exhibition) burned down in 1956, new anthropological, mineralogical, palaeontological and zoological exhibitions opened in the Hungarian National Museum building, but these became outdated over time, and the storerooms also proved too small.

The 1994 government decision that solved this problem ordered the museum to be housed in the Ludovika complex of buildings. From 1995 the Ásvány- és Kőzettár (Mineral and Rock Collection) and the Embertani Tár (Anthropological Collection) moved here. Today the permanent exhibitions of the Ludovika exhibition building present native wildlife, the age of the dinosaurs, minerals and coral reefs; in the dome of the reception hall hangs the skeleton of a barázdás bálna (rorqual).

Highlights

• Sokszínű ÉLET – felfedező úton Magyarország tájain
• Eltűnt világok – a dinoszauruszok kora Magyarországon
• Titkok a föld alatt – ásványok, kőzetek, drágakövek
• Coral reefs beneath the 122 m² glass floor
• The skeleton of a barázdás bálna (rorqual) in the dome of the reception hall
• Természetbúvár-terem (Nature Explorer Room), where objects can be touched

Permanent exhibitions

• Sokszínű ÉLET – Felfedező úton Magyarország tájain – The exhibition focuses on the kinship of living things and presents them through the wildlife of the native landscapes.
• Eltűnt világok – A dinoszauruszok kora Magyarországon – The world of the age of the dinosaurs, of which only a few representatives, small mammals and birds, survived the great changes in the history of the Earth.
• Titkok a föld alatt – ásványok, kőzetek, drágakövek – The exhibition, which runs from minerals used in everyday household objects all the way to the Moon, presents minerals, rocks and gemstones.

Founded

1802

Admission & discounts

Free admission: On the first Sunday of every month, under-26s and up to two close relatives accompanying a child under 18 may visit the permanent exhibitions free of charge (on 8 November 2026). On national holidays (15 March, 20 August, 23 October) admission is free for everyone.

Exhibitions can be visited without registration during opening hours. Payment is possible in cash, by bank card and with the OTP SZÉP card. Guided tours and museum education sessions must be booked two weeks in advance.

Accessibility

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

The passenger lift is designed primarily for people with reduced mobility, for those who find stairs difficult, and for visitors arriving with pushchairs. Assistance animals may be brought in.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Kids’ birthday parties

In the Természetbúvár Terem almost everything can be picked up, touched and smelled. A separate room can be booked for children’s birthday parties, and a museum education session can be added. Children under two may only be taken into the exhibition space in a pushchair or a front carrier fastened to the body.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Coat check

Use of the cloakroom is mandatory and free of charge (for umbrellas, and for bags and rucksacks larger than 30 × 25 × 15 cm).

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit