Celebrate the Day of Hungarian Culture in Budapest
Every January 22, Hungary celebrates a very special event – the Day of Hungarian Culture. This day marks the anniversary of poet Ferenc Kölcsey completing the manuscript of the Hungarian national anthem in 1823. For visitors in Budapest, it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the nation’s artistic heritage, as many of the city’s most prestigious museums open their doors completely free of charge.
Discover Budapest’s top museums for free
On this day, several major museums across Budapest invite guests to explore their permanent exhibitions without an entrance fee. If you’re in the city on January 22, you’ll have the chance to admire some of the finest collections in Hungary, including:
- Museum of Fine Arts (Szépművészeti Múzeum) – A must-see for classical art lovers, housing masterpieces from the Renaissance to the 19th century. (Open 10:00–18:00)
- Hungarian National Gallery (Magyar Nemzeti Galéria) – Located in Buda Castle, this museum showcases Hungarian art from medieval times to the modern era. (Open 10:00–18:00)
- Hungarian National Museum (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum) – Dive into the nation’s fascinating history and archaeology. (Open 10:00–18:00)
- Museum of Ethnography (Néprajzi Múzeum) – Discover folk traditions, costumes, and Hungarian cultural heritage through dynamic displays. (Open 10:00–18:00)
- Ludwig Museum – Museum of Contemporary Art (Ludwig Múzeum – Kortárs Művészeti Múzeum) – A favorite for modern art enthusiasts, offering global and Hungarian contemporary works. (Open 10:00–20:00)
- Petőfi Literary Museum (Petőfi Irodalmi Múzeum) – Celebrates Hungary’s literary icons and the evolution of Hungarian writing. (Open 10:00–18:00)
Beyond Budapest, the Rákóczi Museum in Sárospatak and the Matthias King Museum in Visegrád also participate, adding to the nationwide celebration.
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More than free admission
The initiative goes beyond offering free entry. It aims to highlight the shared responsibility of preserving and celebrating Hungary’s cultural identity. Museum leaders emphasize that this day draws attention to the extraordinary collections that form the foundation of Hungarian culture and identity.
Why you shouldn’t miss it
Visiting Budapest on January 22 gives you a rare chance to explore Hungary’s cultural institutions in one unforgettable day—without spending a forint on admission. Whether you’re passionate about art, literature, or history, this event offers a perfect mix of learning and inspiration in some of the city’s most beautiful museum settings.
If you’re planning your winter trip to Budapest, mark January 22 in your calendar. It’s the ideal day to walk through the corridors of Hungarian heritage and join locals in honoring their culture in a meaningful, memorable way.
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