Memento Park

About the museum

After 1989–90, the fate of the public statues and monuments that proclaimed communist ideology came up for discussion in Budapest as well. The Budapest City Government rejected the destruction of the statues and decided by consensus to create a thematic sculpture park. The architectural competition was won by Eleőd Ákos with his concept “Egy mondat a zsarnokságról” (A Sentence on Tyranny).

The park was finally built on the Tétényi plateau, on a site offered by District XXII. The official opening took place on 27 June 1993, the second anniversary of the departure of the Soviet Red Army. The idea realised on the plateau is not built on glorifying the dictatorship, but on exposing propaganda and oppressive political systems.

Today the park contains 41 statues and monuments, including the figures of Lenin, Marx and Engels, Kun Béla and Captain Osztapenko, as well as the allegorical monuments of Hungarian–Soviet friendship and of liberation. The Barakk exhibitions (Barrack exhibitions) recall the 1956 revolution and the change of regime, and in the bunker the bust “Gyermek Lenin” (Young Lenin) can be seen. Since its opening, the park has operated without budget support, from its own revenues.

Highlights

• 41 statues and monuments from the communist era
• Lenin, Marx and Engels, Kun Béla, Captain Osztapenko
• Barakk exhibition with the Stalin boots
• Storage display in the Dísztribün (Reviewing Stand) bunker, with the bust “Gyermek Lenin”
• Red Star Store with retro souvenirs

Permanent exhibitions

• Szoborpark – The park shows 41 statues and monuments from the communist era, evoking the intentions of their commissioners and of propaganda.
• Barakk fotókiállítás – The exhibition is built around the Stalin boots and evokes the shared longing for freedom of the 1956 revolution and of the 1989–90 change of regime.
• Raktártárlat a bunkerben – In the concrete bunker of the Sztálin-Dísztribün (Stalin Reviewing Stand) stands the bust “Gyermek Lenin”, which once decorated the assembly square of a Soviet pioneer camp.

Founded

1993

Operated by

Premier Press Kiadó és Kereskedelmi Kft.

Admission & discounts

Budapest Card accepted (free admission); Hungary Card and ISIC discount card accepted. On the day of purchase, the ticket is valid once for all attractions in the park. Payment is possible in forints, euros and by bank card; SZÉP card also accepted.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Because of the terrain, the grounds and the buildings are not barrier-free. Dogs on a leash and other pets may visit the park’s facilities.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

The museum education workbook “Válts rendszert!” (Change the System!) is about the change of regime and history for little ones and older visitors alike. Team-building and family programmes (treasure hunt, Trabant challenge) can be requested.

Getting there & parking

Travel time to the Memento Park stop is 9 minutes with buses 101B and 101E, and 25 minutes with bus 150. Special bus transfers can be ordered from any destination; a Trabant transfer can be booked from within Budapest.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Red Star Store retro gift shop in the same place as the ticket office; buffet. Car parking is free during opening hours.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The park grounds can be rented for individual and corporate events, photography and film shoots, during and outside opening hours; prices are available on request by e-mail.

Plan your visit