No trip to a new country is complete without a visit to the local museums to learn about the people and its history. Budapest has many that are worth visiting so here are the top nine museums which are set in unique locations, redefining what a museum experience can be.
Hungarian National Gallery
Established in 1957, the Hungarian National Gallery features artwork from the medieval ages to today. It currently resides in the Buda Castle and has works from famous artists like Claude Monet.
Insider tip: The dome terrace offers stunning views of the city but is only opened to 15 people at a time, requiring a pre-booked ticket. They are also closed during the winter season from November to February, so do book your tickets in advance!
Address: 1014 Budapest, Szent György tér 2.
Phone: +36 20 439 7331 | +36 20 439 7325
Reserve your tickets here!
Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts was opened in 1906 and hosts several collections from before 1800. It has one of the richest Egyptian Art and Classical Antiquities collections in Europe and over 3000 paintings from various European eras.
Address: 1146 Budapest, Dózsa György út 41.
Phone: +36 1 469 7100
Book your tickets here.
Budapesti Történeti Múzeum (inside Buda Castle)
This museum showcases the history of the country and the life of its locals over the past thousand years. One of their main finds includes a Roman water organ.
Do note that you will have to purchase photographs pass if you want to take pictures and they only accept small bills for ticket payment. Many travelers who have had only cards and big notes were turned away.
Address: Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014 Hungary
Phone: +36 1 487 8800
Opening Hours: Daily 10 am to 6 pm (Closed on Mondays)
House of Terror
For a chilling experience, the House of Terror is the museum to visit. During World War 2, this building served as the headquarters of the Hungarian Nazi Party who tortured and killed hundreds of people in its basement cellar.
It later became the headquarters for the State Security Authority (Soviets) whose aim was to suppress any rebellion. Under this regime, they forced people to make confessions and killed thousands beneath the street. They moved out in 1956, but the army did not stop their reign till 1991 before the collapse of the USSR.
In 2001, the building was bought over and renovated by architect Attila F. Kovács for a year to inform and educate over the events that happened during the two reigns of terror. Its black frame is a reminder of the horrors inflicted on the victims.
Address: 1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 60.
Phone: +36 (1) 374 26 00
Opening Hours: Daily 10 am to 6 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Tickets cost $13.10SGD(3000 HUF) per admission. For more information, you can refer to their official website here.
Hospital in the Rock
During World War 2, this natural 10km long cave under the Buda Castle was used as a hospital. It operated at fullest capacity during the war with both civilians and soldiers seeking treatment.
After the war, vaccinations were produced here before it re-opened as a hospital in 1956 and upgraded to be a nuclear bunker. Since then, it has been mostly used as a storage facility before opening as a museum in 2007.
It is truly an eye-opening experience to walk through the cave and observe all the medical artifacts that were used.
Address: 1012 Budapest, Lovas út 4/c
Phone: +36 70 7 010101
Due to safety reasons, the Hospital in the Rock can only take groups of up to 25 people at one time and bookings must be made beforehand. Book your tour at least 2 days in advance here.
Ludwig Museum
For those who favor a more modern museum, that doesn’t bring the dark side of history into your face, the Ludwig Museum has contemporary art exhibitions, including pop art. It has been recognized as part of the 100 most significant art institutions in the world with works from Andy Warhol and many other artists.
Address: Budapest, Komor Marcell u. 1, 1095 Hungary
Phone: +36 1 555 3444
Book your tickets here.
Holocaust Memorial Centre
Just around the Jewish quarter, this memorial center was built for research and education through interactive exhibits about the Holocaust. There are also cultural performances and a cozy coffee shop for you to relax.
Address: 39 Páva St Budapest
Phone: (+36 1) 455-3333
House of Houdini
The museums we have seen so far commemorate a time in history, both grandeur and dark. But, there are also museums that celebrate the whimsy and the creative, such as the House of Houdini.
The most famous magician of all time, Harry Houdini was born in Hungary. This museum tribute features his unusual props such as straight jackets and handcuffs. Magicians are also on hand to amaze you with a demonstration of the tricks performed by Houdini. A fun, interactive museum, you may just walk away with a new trick or two to pull on unsuspecting friends and family.
Address: Budapest, Dísz tér 11, 1014 Hungary
Phone: +36 1 951 8066
Ready for a little magic? Book your tickets here.
Museums are little portals which give you a glimpse into the culture and way of life. Those that are in Budapest will give you an experience that may just change your perspective about wars and life.
