Celebrate Culture at the 28th Museum Festival at the Hungarian National Museum
Every spring, Budapest’s cultural heart beats a little stronger as the Museum Festival-Múzeumok Majálisa-returns to the Hungarian National Museum and its gardens. On May 24 and 25, 2025, this beloved event celebrates its 28th edition, transforming the museum and its leafy surroundings into Hungary’s largest open-air museum and cultural picnic. Whether you’re a history buff, a family seeking fun, or a traveler eager to experience authentic Hungarian culture, the Museum Festival is a must-visit highlight of Budapest’s spring calendar.
Event Details
- Dates: May 24–25, 2025
- Location: Hungarian National Museum & Museum Garden, 1088 Budapest, Múzeum körút 14-16
- Admission: Free entry to all programs and exhibitions during the festival
- Opening Hours: Museum Garden 6:00–21:00, Museum 10:00–18:00
- Participants: Around 70–100 museums and exhibitors from across Hungary
- Activities: Live music, family workshops, interactive exhibitions, guided tours, crafts, games, lectures, and more
- Languages: Programs available in Hungarian and select activities in English
A Weekend of Culture, Discovery, and Entertainment
The Museum Festival is designed to welcome everyone-locals, tourists, families, and culture lovers of all ages. The 2025 theme, “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,” invites visitors to rethink what a museum can be: open, accessible, and inclusive.
What to Expect
- Meet 70+ Museums: Wander through outdoor tents and stands, where museums from all over Hungary showcase their treasures, offer hands-on activities, and share behind-the-scenes stories.
- Free Museum Entry: Enjoy complimentary access to the Hungarian National Museum’s fascinating exhibitions, from ancient artifacts to modern history.
- Live Performances: Catch pop-up concerts in the garden, featuring folk, jazz, and contemporary artists like Sárkány Bertalan, Krulik Zoltán, Bede Sári, and Ferenczi György & 1-ső Pesti Rackák.
- Family Fun: Kids can join treasure hunts, crafts, puppet shows, and interactive games, while adults enjoy lectures, roundtable discussions, and guided tours-including some in English.
- Workshops & Demonstrations: Try your hand at traditional crafts, explore VR and AR exhibits, or watch live demonstrations of historical techniques.
- Special Events: Don’t miss the opening ceremony and the prestigious Museum of the Year Award, or the closing roundtable on Hungarian poetry and culture.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Museum Festival
- It’s Free: All programs, exhibitions, and activities are open to the public at no cost.
- All Ages Welcome: The diverse program ensures entertainment for children, teens, adults, and seniors alike.
- Unique Access: This is your chance to explore rarely seen artifacts, meet museum professionals, and get hands-on with history.
- Festival Atmosphere: Enjoy the lively, picnic-like setting in the Museum Garden, with food stalls, chill-out zones, and a welcoming community vibe.
How to Get There
The Hungarian National Museum is centrally located and easily accessible by public transport:
- Metro: M3 (blue) and M4 (green) to Kálvin tér, M2 (red) to Astoria
- Tram: Lines 47, 48, 49 to Kálvin tér
- Bus: 9, 15, 115 to Kálvin tér; 5, 7, 8, 107, 110, 112, 133, 178, 233, 239 to Astoria
- Trolleybus: Line 83 to Kálvin tér
- Cycling: Dedicated bike lanes on Múzeum körút and nearby MOL Bubi bike-sharing stations
- Car: No on-site parking; the nearest underground car park is on Pollack Mihály tér, just a short walk away
Museums with Free Access on the Last Weekend of Each Month
Many state-run museums in Budapest offer free entry on the last Sunday of each month, but with restrictions:
Best deals of Budapest
- Eligibility: Free entry is typically for EEA (European Economic Area) citizens under 26, children under 18, and up to two accompanying adults. Some museums may include students under 26 or families with children under 18. Always check the museum’s website for exact policies and possible changes.
Examples for May 25, 2025 (Last Sunday):
| Museum Name | Address | Free Entry Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Petőfi Literary Museum | Károlyi utca 16, 1053 Budapest | EEA citizens under 26, children under 18, up to 2 adults |
| Kiscell Museum | Kiscelli utca 108, 1037 Budapest | EEA citizens under 26, children under 18, up to 2 adults |
| Aquincum Museum | Szentendrei út 135, 1031 Budapest | EEA citizens under 26, children under 18, up to 2 adults |
| Hungarian Transport Museum | Városligeti körút 11, 1146 Budapest | EEA citizens under 26, children under 18, up to 2 adults |
| Budapest History Museum | Szent György tér 2, 1014 Budapest | EEA citizens under 26, children under 18, up to 2 adults |
| Budapest Gallery | Lajos utca 158, 1036 Budapest | EEA citizens under 26, children under 18, up to 2 adults |
| Budapest Castle Museum | Szent György tér 2, 1014 Budapest | EEA citizens under 26, children under 18, up to 2 adults |
| Ferenc Liszt Memorial Museum | Vörösmarty utca 35, 1064 Budapest | EEA citizens under 26, children under 18, up to 2 adults |
| Kassák Museum | Fő tér 1, 1033 Budapest | EEA citizens under 26, children under 18, up to 2 adults |
Important:
- These free entry days are not for all visitors, but for the above groups only.
- Some museums may require proof of eligibility (such as a passport or student ID).
- Always check the museum’s official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Museums That Are Always Free
Some museums and galleries in Budapest offer free entry year-round. For some, advance registration is required, especially for guided tours or group visits.
| Museum Name | Address | Registration Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Hungarian Money Museum and Visitor Center | Krisztina krt. 6, 1122 Budapest | Free, registration required for guided tours |
| Police Museum | Mosonyi utca 7, 1087 Budapest | Free, registration required for guided tours |
| Deák17 Gallery | Deák Ferenc utca 17, 1052 Budapest | Free, no registration needed |
| Virág Judit Gallery | Falk Miksa utca 30, 1055 Budapest | Free, no registration needed |
| Deák Erika Gallery | Mozsár utca 1, 1066 Budapest | Free, no registration needed |
| Várfok Gallery | Várfok utca 11, 1012 Budapest | Free, no registration needed |
| Faur Zsófi Gallery | Bartók Béla út 25, 1114 Budapest | Free, no registration needed |
| Galeria Centralis | Arany János utca 32, 1051 Budapest | Free, no registration needed |
| Geological Museum | Stefánia út 14, 1143 Budapest | Free, no registration needed |
| Customs and Tax History Museum | Mária utca 5, 1085 Budapest | Free, no registration needed |
Summary
- May 24–25, 2025: Only the Hungarian National Museum is universally free for all as part of the Museum Festival.
- Last Sunday of each month: Many museums are free, but only for EEA citizens under 26, children under 18, and up to two accompanying adults.
- Always free museums: Several galleries and specialty museums are free year-round, some requiring prior registration for guided tours.
Tip: For the most current and specific information, always consult the official website of the museum you wish to visit before you go.
Make the Most of Your Budapest Visit
The 28th Museum Festival at the Hungarian National Museum is more than just an event-it’s a joyful, immersive celebration of Hungary’s rich cultural tapestry. Whether you’re exploring with family, friends, or solo, you’ll find inspiration, entertainment, and a warm welcome. Mark your calendar for May 24–25, and experience Budapest’s cultural scene at its most vibrant-absolutely free!
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