The Magic of Perspective Through Space and Time: Photo Exhibitions at the Museum of Ethnography, Budapest
If you’re planning a visit to Budapest and want to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant cultural scene, the Museum of Ethnography is a must-see destination this season. With its groundbreaking permanent exhibition, ZOOM – A Change in Perspectives, and the temporary, once-in-a-lifetime showcase, Hungary in Colour: Hidden Photographs from 1862, the museum offers a truly unique journey through history, culture, and the art of seeing the world from new angles.
ZOOM – A Change in Perspectives
Step into a world where chaos becomes order and discovery is guided by curiosity. The ZOOM exhibition is not your typical museum experience. It brings together over 200,000 artifacts and hundreds of thousands of photographs, drawings, manuscripts, audio recordings, and films, all presented in a visually striking, almost primordial state. Imagine wandering through a “museum galaxy” where objects and images swirl together, inviting you to find your own path.
What sets ZOOM apart is its playful, interactive approach. Instead of lengthy explanations, the exhibition uses conceptual opposites-many–few, small–large, part–whole, near–far, high–low, colorful–black and white-to organize and connect themes. This lets you physically and visually “zoom in” and “zoom out,” break things apart, mix them up, and see familiar items in entirely new ways. There’s no set route: you can move quickly or slowly, focus on a single piece or explore the entire collection, and even see yourself reflected in the diversity of faces and stories on display.
Among the highlights are nearly 700 objects, including the world’s oldest Székely Gate from 1673 and a massive, seven-meter-long barrel boat carved from a single tree trunk. The exhibition’s innovative design has even earned it a gold medal at the Indigo Award 2025 for book and graphic design, a testament to its creative and modern approach.
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Event Details
- Dates: From May 23, 2022 (Permanent exhibition)
- Location: Museum of Ethnography, H-1146 Budapest, Dózsa György út 35.
- Highlights:
- Over 200,000 artifacts
- Interactive displays
- Award-winning design (Indigo Award 2025)
- World’s oldest Székely Gate
- Seven-meter barrel boat
Hungary in Colour: Hidden Photographs from 1862
Running from March 5 to September 15, 2025, Hungary in Colour reveals a treasure trove of hand-colored photographs that have never before been seen in Hungary. These rare images, originally showcased at the 1862 London World’s Fair, capture authentic Hungarian costumes and everyday life from more than 160 years ago. The photographs by János Tiedge were thought lost for generations, but recent discoveries at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum and the Museum of Ethnography have brought them back into the light.
The exhibition tells the fascinating story of their creation: in a period of national revival following the 1848–49 revolution, Hungary sought to present itself to the world. Tiedge was commissioned to travel the country, photographing people in their finest local dress-old men, middle-aged men, young lads, women, and girls-from towns and villages across the land. The resulting images offer a vivid, unfiltered look at 19th-century Hungarian society, from Szeged peasants to Veszprém townsfolk and Pápai ox-cart drivers.
What makes these photographs so compelling is their authenticity. The costumes were chosen by locals, and the expressive faces captured by Tiedge show real people, not just stereotypes or idealized types. This is a rare opportunity to see a lost world brought back to life-one that will captivate history lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Hungary’s past.
Event Details
- Dates: March 5 – September 15, 2025
- Location: Museum of Ethnography, H-1146 Budapest, Dózsa György út 35.
- Highlights:
- Never-before-seen hand-colored photos from 1862
- Authentic Hungarian costumes
- Unique collaboration with the Victoria & Albert Museum
Why You Should Visit Now
- Interactive, award-winning exhibitions that redefine the museum experience
- Rare historical treasures on display for the first time in Hungary
- Flexible, self-guided exploration-choose your own path and pace
- Perfect for families, solo travelers, and culture lovers alike
Closing: Make the Museum of Ethnography Your Next Budapest Adventure
Don’t miss your chance to experience Budapest’s Museum of Ethnography at its most innovative and inspiring. Whether you’re fascinated by the playful chaos of ZOOM or eager to glimpse Hungary’s colorful past through the lens of 1862, these exhibitions promise to spark your curiosity and leave you with unforgettable memories. Plan your visit today and see why the Museum of Ethnography is one of Budapest’s top cultural destinations this season!
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