Hungarian National Museum

The Hungarian National Museum is Hungary’s principal national museum in central Budapest, established from private collections in the early 19th century and housed in a distinctive neoclassical building. The present building was designed by architect Mihály Pollack and completed in the mid 1800s.

Exhibits document Hungary’s archaeology, medieval and modern history, and art history, presenting objects from prehistory through the 20th century. The museum’s collections include archaeological finds, historical artifacts and cultural objects that trace the region’s development.

The institution originated from Count Ferenc Széchényi’s library and collections and grew into the national museum during the 19th century; the building and museum played a public role during the 1848 Revolution. Over time the museum has expanded its holdings and established permanent and temporary exhibition spaces.

The museum stands on Múzeum körút in Pest, within central Budapest’s museum quarter, and is easily reached by public transport from other central city landmarks.

• Founding: Founded from the private collection of Count Ferenc Széchényi in the early 19th century, the institution became Hungary's national museum and archive.
• Historical role: The museum and its steps are historically linked to the 1848 Hungarian Revolution and served as a focal point for public gatherings during that period.

What to See #

• Main building: The main neoclassical building completed in the mid 19th century houses the core historical and archaeological displays and is fronted by a large portico designed by the architect Mihály Pollack.
• Permanent exhibitions: Permanent collections cover Hungarian archaeology, medieval and modern history, and art history, with chronological displays from prehistory to the 20th century.