Exhibition from the Artistic Heritage of the Budapest Zoo

This year, the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden celebrates its 160th anniversary — a milestone in the city’s cultural and natural heritage. To mark the occasion, the Zoo has launched a Jubilee Year full of events that bring its fascinating past to life. The first of these is the outdoor exhibition A Visual Chronicle: 160 Years Told Through Posters, open from January 20 to February 22, 2026.

Event details

• Location: Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden, Main Gate Square – Kisszikla trail
• Dates: January 20 – February 22, 2026
• Type: Outdoor exhibition
• Tickets: Included with Zoo admission
• Opening hours: Follows Zoo’s regular daily schedule
• Tip: Visit in the afternoon for the best light to view the poster details and enjoy a cozy winter walk among the animals afterward

Take a leisurely walk along the plane tree-lined avenue from the Main Gate Square to the iconic Kisszikla and step into a visual journey through time. Discover how artistic trends and advertising styles have evolved over more than a century — from ornate vintage designs to sleek modern graphics. You’ll see how the image of the Zoo changed with each decade and can even decide which era’s poster would inspire you most to visit.

Beyond its animal collection and architecture, the Budapest Zoo preserves a rich artistic legacy. Generations of Hungarian artists and creative studios have produced posters, tickets, and advertisements over the decades. When displayed together, these images form a fascinating timeline of design history, highlighting changes in typography, color, and composition that reflect the spirit of each era.

The exhibition’s pieces were selected from the Zoo’s archives, digitally restored and curated to showcase 160 years of creativity and cultural memory. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, history lover, or just looking for something inspiring to do outdoors in Budapest this winter, this exhibition promises a memorable experience.