Ethnographic Museum of Budapest

If you are interested in history, then you simply must go to the Ethnographic Museum of Budapest, where more than 200 thousand unique exhibits are collected. The museum is located in the very center of Budapest, on Lajos Kossuth Square.

The Ethnographic Museum is an institution that every day gathers thousands of tourists from different countries under its roof. People from all over the world admire the incredible collection of household items and art.

History of the museum’s foundation

Hungarians are very respectful of their national identity. This European country has always had the means to study its own culture and the people who enjoy doing so.

In 1847, members of the Academy of Sciences saw the collection of Antal Reguli, which he collected while traveling through Siberia. The exhibits were transferred to the National Museum for safekeeping. In the 1860s, ethnography as a science developed rapidly. The impetus for this was numerous scientific expeditions.

János Xantus was a captain in the Hungarian army who was forced to leave his homeland after an unsuccessful revolution. He lived in the United States for several years, where he collected material for the Smithsonian Institution collections. In 1864, Xantus was politically rehabilitated and returned to Hungary.

The talented naturalist attracted the attention of the Minister of Education, József Eötvös. He invited János to join an expedition heading to the Far East. The collection of ethnographic material was successful. After a year of travel, the scientist returned with an unprecedented collection of 2,500 items for that time.

In 1871, a large exhibition was successfully held at the National Museum. After that, János Xantus received the position of chief curator of the ethnography department. That day, March 5, 1872, was the birthday of the Ethnographic Museum. True, for several more years in a row, the collections of Reguli and Xantus gathered dust, and there was no opportunity to replenish them. But the process was launched. And over the years, interest in collecting ethnographic objects only grew.

Building of the Ethnographic Museum in Budapest

Since 1973, the Budapest Museum of Ethnography has been located in the former Palace of Justice. This building was erected in 1896. It is interesting that many outstanding buildings in Budapest were built that year. Thus, the Hungarian government was preparing for the millennium anniversary on a grand scale.

Initially, Alajos Hauszman developed the design for the building for the House of the Hungarian Parliament. But the architect failed to win the competition, and the championship in this duel went to Imre Steindl. And Hauszman’s design became the basis for the Palace of Justice. By the way, both buildings stand opposite each other. So, if you specifically visit one of these places, take a look at the neighboring building of the Hungarian Parliament.

The building of the Ethnographic Museum is a real pearl of 19th-century architecture. It successfully intertwined the features of the popular styles of that time: Baroque, Renaissance and Classicism. The palace amazes with its luxury, beauty and rich decoration. It is generously decorated with sculptures, among which the statue of the goddess of Justice, located on the upper part of the facade, stands out. The luxurious appearance, combined with its convenient location, allow us to consider the museum the cultural center of the city. The interior decoration is no less attractive. Marble halls and staircases, a foyer with a glass roof, colorful stained glass windows – all this is as exciting as the museum exhibits themselves.

Exposition of the Ethnographic Museum

The museum collection began to actively expand in the second half of the 19th century. Currently, the Ethnographic Museum has more than 200 thousand exhibits from all over the world.

Such a rich collection makes the museum one of the largest specialized museums in the world. And it expands every year. This is due to donations from collectors. Travelers generously share artifacts found not only in Hungary. In 13 halls, there are art and household items from Africa, Siberia, Australia, Mongolia, Indonesia and other parts of the world.

The permanent exhibition is called “Traditional Culture of the Hungarians”. It introduces museum visitors to folk traditions and national art. Here you can see how the life of the Hungarian peasantry changed. Learn a lot about agriculture, animal husbandry, fishing, hunting and beekeeping. The huge exposition of costumes of various ethnic groups in different periods of history is impressive. Kitchenware, ceramics, furniture, tools, jewelry from different eras, musical instruments, embroidery, icons, toys – you name it! Photos and multimedia accompaniment help to soak up the atmosphere and immerse yourself in the subject matter.

The exhibition presents artifacts of both Hungarian and international significance. The collection of cult objects will allow you to learn a lot of interesting things about different periods of human life. When planning a trip to Budapest, set aside a couple of hours to visit this museum. Unforgettable experiences are guaranteed!

Basic information about the Ethnographic Museum of Budapest:

Several times a year the Ethnographic Museum opens its doors to everyone free of charge:

• January 22: Hungarian Culture Day
• March 5: Ethnographic Museum Day
• March 15: National Holiday
• May 18: World Museum Day
• August 20: National Holiday
• September 15: Cultural Heritage Day
• October 23: National Holiday

Map with the location of the Ethnographic Museum marked: