Once Upon a Time, There Was a Csemege – Exploring Hungary’s Iconic Grocery Culture
Step Back into Hungary’s Everyday Life of the 1970s and 80s
If you’re curious about everyday life in Hungary’s socialist past, don’t miss the nostalgic exhibition Once Upon a Time, There Was a Csemege at the Hungarian Museum of Trade and Tourism (Magyar Kereskedelmi és Vendéglátóipari Múzeum). Open from December 12, 2025, to September 13, 2026, this immersive exhibition invites visitors to rediscover the world of Csemege stores — the beloved grocery chain that once symbolized quality, community, and the simple joys of daily life.
During the 1970s and 80s, Csemege shops were more than just supermarkets. They were social hubs, where friendly clerks greeted regulars by name, coffee scents filled the air, and shopping itself became a small but meaningful ritual. The exhibition beautifully re-creates this world, blending nostalgia with history and humor.
A Journey Through Vintage Packaging, Stories, and Smiles
Step inside and you’ll find yourself surrounded by colorful product packaging, retro shop interiors, and authentic store furnishings. The exhibition showcases everything from iconic goods and shop counters to the “service rules” that guided salespeople of the time. Through interactive displays, visitors can experience what a shopping trip felt like during Hungary’s socialist era — complete with playful details, familiar brand designs, and stories from behind the counter.
It’s a vivid reminder that trade was never just about exchanging goods. Each transaction carried human warmth, laughter, and connection — values that Csemege stores embodied for a whole generation.
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When and Where to Visit
Venue: Hungarian Museum of Trade and Tourism
(1036 Budapest, Korona tér 1.)
Exhibition period: December 12, 2025 – September 13, 2026
The museum is located in Óbuda, one of Budapest’s most atmospheric districts, known for its cobblestone streets, cozy cafés, and local charm. It’s easily accessible by tram or bus from the city center and makes an ideal stop for travelers wanting to explore Budapest beyond its classic tourist spots.
Why You Should Visit
Once Upon a Time, There Was a Csemege is more than a museum exhibition — it’s a nostalgic window into Hungarian culture, capturing how people shopped, worked, and socialized during a fascinating era of change. Whether you’re a history lover, a design enthusiast, or simply intrigued by local stories, this exhibition offers a heartfelt and often humorous look at everyday life behind the counters of Hungary’s most iconic grocery brand.
Step inside, take in the vintage neon lights, and enjoy a dose of Hungarian nostalgia — where every shelf and product tells a story.