10 Things to Do in the Hungarian National Museum (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum) in Budapest, Hungary
The Hungarian National Museum (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum) in Budapest, Hungary is one of the most important cultural institutions in the country. Established in 1802, it is the oldest and largest public museum in the country and holds a vast collection of artifacts, documents, and artworks related to the history and culture of Hungary. It is also the home of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and the National Library. With its rich history and vast collection, the Hungarian National Museum is an ideal place to explore and learn about the country's past. Here are 10 things to do in the Hungarian National Museum that will give you a great insight into the culture and history of Hungary.
1. Explore the Museum’s Permanent Exhibitions: The Hungarian National Museum has several permanent exhibitions that offer a comprehensive overview of the country’s history. The main exhibition, located on the first floor, focuses on the history of Hungary from the Middle Ages to the present day. Other exhibitions include the Hungarian-Ottoman War of 1526-1568, the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, and the Hungarian War of Independence of 1848-1849.
2. Check Out the Special Exhibitions: The museum hosts several special exhibitions throughout the year that focus on specific aspects of Hungarian history and culture. These exhibitions are often interactive and engaging, providing visitors with a unique and informative experience.
3. Visit the Museum’s Library: The Hungarian National Museum’s library is one of the largest and most important in the country. It contains more than 500,000 books and documents related to Hungarian history, culture, and art. The library also offers a range of services, including lectures, book readings, and discussion groups.
4. Catch a Film at the Museum’s Cinema: The Hungarian National Museum’s cinema is one of the oldest in Europe. It regularly screens films related to Hungarian history and culture, as well as international films.
5. Attend a Concert at the Museum’s Concert Hall: The museum’s concert hall is one of the most important venues in Hungary for classical music. It regularly hosts concerts by renowned Hungarian and international musicians.
6. Take a Tour of the Museum’s Gardens: The museum’s gardens are a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. The gardens are home to a variety of plants and trees, as well as sculptures and monuments.
7. Admire the Museum’s Art Collection: The Hungarian National Museum’s art collection consists of more than 10,000 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative art. It is one of the most important art collections in the country and includes works by renowned Hungarian and international artists.
8. Check Out the Museum’s Archaeological Collection: The museum’s archaeological collection consists of more than 1.5 million artifacts, including coins, pottery, and tools. It is one of the largest archaeological collections in Europe and provides a fascinating look at Hungary’s past.
9. Explore the Museum’s Numismatic Collection: The museum’s numismatic collection consists of more than 300,000 coins and medals from Hungary and other countries. It is one of the largest collections in the world and provides an interesting look at the history of money.
10. Visit the Museum’s Gift Shop: The museum’s gift shop is a great place to pick up souvenirs and gifts related to Hungarian culture and history. It offers a range of items, including books, postcards, and traditional Hungarian crafts.
The Hungarian National Museum is a great place to explore and learn about Hungary’s history and culture. With its permanent and special exhibitions, library, cinema, concert hall, gardens, art collection, archaeological collection, numismatic collection, and gift shop, it is one of the most important cultural institutions in the country. Whether you are a history buff or just looking for a fun day out, the Hungarian National Museum has something for everyone.