Szent István-terem

About the museum

The Szent István-terem (Saint Stephen Hall) was one of the most important rooms of the Buda Castle at the turn of the century. In 1897 Zsolnay Vilmos asked Franz Joseph for permission to create the hall, and the plan for the historic state hall was worked out by Hauszmann Alajos. The outstanding artists and craftsmen of the period made the furnishings: the walnut panelling came from the workshop of Thék Endre, the majolica panels and the fireplace came from the Zsolnay factory, and Roskovics Ignác painted the great figures of the Árpád dynasty and the painting The Coronation of Saint Stephen. The hall won a grand prize at the 1900 Paris World Exhibition.

With the destruction of the Buda Castle, the hall was also lost, but seven decades later it was rebuilt in a way completely identical to the original. Since its opening on 20 August 2021 it has been accessible again, and more than a quarter of a million visitors have already seen it.

Before the visit, two exhibition sections present the history of the hall’s creation and rebirth with period photographs, animations, models and installations, as well as Havadtőy Sámuel’s contemporary installation on the Szent István Intelmei (Admonitions of Saint Stephen). The hall can be viewed with a personal or tablet-based digital guided tour. The Szent István-terem and the Budapesti Történeti Múzeum – Vármúzeum (Budapest History Museum – Castle Museum) share a joint entrance and ticket office.

Highlights

• Hall rebuilt in a way identical to the original
• Zsolnay majolica, Thék walnut panelling and Roskovics paintings
• Personal or tablet-based digital guided tour
• Havadtőy Sámuel’s installation on the Admonitions of Saint Stephen
• Combined ticket with the Vármúzeum (Castle Museum)

Permanent exhibition

• Szent István-terem és kiállítás – The exhibition presents the original creation and rebirth of the hall, and Havadtőy Sámuel’s installation evoking the Admonitions of Saint Stephen.

Founded

2021

Operated by

Várkapitányság Nonprofit Zrt.

Admission & discounts

The basic price is for a ticket that includes the tablet-based digital guided tour. Residents of District I receive a 20% discount on the ticket price; with a Budapest Card the full-price ticket is free. A personal guided tour is recommended from the age of 14.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• 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

The Szent István-terem and the exhibition can be reached by a step-free route.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The Szent István-terem is on the first floor of the south wing that connects Buildings E and F of the Buda Castle. The building is entered from the Oroszlános udvar (Lion Courtyard), which can be reached on foot from Szent György tér and Hunyadi udvar, from Palota út by the Tabán lifts, and then at the level of the Lovarda (Riding Hall) by the Stöckl staircase or the Hauszmann ramp.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit