Slovenské národné múzeum – Múzeum bábkarských kultúr a hračiek, hrad Modrý Kameň

About the museum

The castle complex in Modrý Kameň consists of the ruins of an old Gothic castle and the building of the Baroque manor house, in which the museum is now housed. The castle was the seat of the Balašovci family of Ďarmôt and Modrý Kameň, who left a deep mark on the history of Hungary; the small town of Modrý Kameň still remembers the name of its hereditary castle lords to this day.

The museum was founded in 1964 in Dolná Strehová as the Múzeum Imre Madácha, on the 100th anniversary of the death of the Hungarian dramatist and poet Imre Madách. In 1968 it became the Okresné vlastivedné múzeum (District Local History Museum) in Veľký Krtíš, and its exhibitions were expanded to include further personalities and themes of the region. By a decision of 1996 it received the name Múzeum bábkarských kultúr a hračiek (Museum of Puppetry Cultures and Toys) as the successor institution of the district museum; alongside its nationwide specialisation, it also fulfils the function of a regional museum.

The museum holds approximately 17,000 objects. The permanent exhibitions present the history and present of Slovak puppet theatre, with marionettes of prominent puppetry families, toys in Slovakia in the 20th century, the Balašovci family and the viticulture of northern Novohrad. The museum organises cultural and educational events mainly for children and young people, and in 2018 it was visited by approximately 56,000 people.

Highlights

• Marionettes of the Stražanovci and Dubský families and an original caravan (maringotka)
• Exhibition Hračky na Slovensku v 20. storočí (toys in Slovakia)
• Exhibition on the Balašovci family at Modrý Kameň castle
• Viticulture exhibition with video animation in the north wing of the manor house
• Ruins of the Gothic castle and the Baroque manor house

Permanent exhibitions

• História a súčasnosť slovenského bábkového divadelníctva – Marionettes of prominent puppetry families, a travelling caravan and artefacts from Slovak professional puppet theatres.
• Hračky na Slovensku v 20. storočí – The development of the children's toy, from folk toys to modern dolls, transport toys and puzzles.
• Uhorský rod Balašovcov na hrade Modrý Kameň – A brief overview of the history of the Balašovci family and of personalities connected with their family seat.

Founded

1964

Operated by

Slovenské národné múzeum

Admission & discounts

The price depends on the route: historic route €6 (reduced €3), museum exhibitions €8 (reduced €4), complete tour €12 (reduced €6). Free admission is also granted to employees of the SNM, holders of a VIP ticket, members of the Zväz múzeí a galérií, children from children's homes, holders of an ICOM card, journalists and supervising teachers.

Accessibility

• Partially 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 museum has no step-free access, because it is the original interior of the manor house. Visitors with limited mobility can reach the castle courtyard and the ground-floor parts of the exhibitions without assistance; in the interior, where there are stairs and thresholds, museum staff help.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

The toy and doll exhibitions and the museum's cultural events are especially popular with children and young people; the museum's website also has an interactive painted cycle map of Novohrad for children.

Getting there & parking

The castle museum stands above the town of Modrý Kameň, five kilometres from the district town of Veľký Krtíš. From the south the castle ruin is visible from the main roads; from Zvolen the turn-off to the castle is right at the beginning of the town. Two access roads lead to the museum.

Amenities & dining

• Café

The Castanea castle confectionery in the historic setting of the manor house is open daily 10:00–19:00 and offers chestnut specialities; a castle buffet is also available.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit