Budapest’s Underground Railway Museum Unveils Playful New Exhibit: How We (Used to) Travel – Public Transport Through Children’s Eyes
If you thought Budapest’s public transport was just about getting from A to B, think again! The city’s beloved Underground Railway Museum at Deák tér has just launched a delightful new temporary exhibition, Így utaz(t)unk mi – A fővárosi közösségi közlekedés gyerekszemmel (How We (Used to) Travel – Public Transport Through Children’s Eyes), and it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face—whether you’re a wide-eyed tourist, a nostalgic local, or a parent with kids who think the real fun is pressing the stop button on the tram.
All Aboard the Nostalgia Express
Opened on Children’s Day, May 25, this exhibit is a vibrant journey through 75 years of Budapest’s public transport history, as seen by the city’s youngest commuters. Forget dry timelines and dusty artifacts—here, you’ll find a kaleidoscope of photos, posters, tickets, vehicle signs, children’s books, and even toys, all chronicling how generations of kids have experienced Budapest’s iconic trams, buses, and metros.
Why Budapest’s Transit History Deserves Your Attention
Let’s face it: Budapest’s public transport is legendary. With the continent’s oldest underground railway (move over, London and Liverpool!), the city has been ferrying locals and visitors alike since 1896. The BKV (Budapest Transport Company) doesn’t just run the show—they’re on a mission to preserve and celebrate this rich legacy for future generations, operating two museums and a growing fleet of nostalgia vehicles.
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The Underground Railway Museum at Deák Square itself is a hidden gem. Carved into a real, retired metro tunnel, it’s been charming visitors for 50 years with its blend of history, engineering, and quirky local flavor. And now, with this new exhibit, it’s adding a dash of childhood wonder to the mix.
What’s New? Key Highlights from the Exhibit
- A child’s-eye view: See how kids have interacted with (and occasionally outsmarted) Budapest’s buses, trams, and metros over the decades.
- Interactive nostalgia: Marvel at vintage tickets, colorful posters, and classic vehicle signs—plus children’s books and toys that made every journey an adventure.
- Family competitions: Relive the eternal struggle for ticket validation rights and the thrill of pressing the stop button before anyone else.
- Fun facts galore: Ever wondered why trams make that clickety-clack sound, or how a metro can run without a driver? So did generations of Budapest’s children, and now you can find out too!
As a company, we see it as our cultural mission to preserve the past and values of Budapest’s public transport for future generations, says BKV, the city’s transport operator.
Why Tourists and Expats Should Care
- Perfect for families: Whether your kids are obsessed with trains or just need a break from sightseeing, this exhibit is a surefire hit.
- A local’s secret: Tucked away beneath Deák Square, the museum is a quick, quirky detour from the bustle of the city center.
- A crash course in Budapest culture: Get to know the city through the eyes of its youngest citizens—and maybe pick up a few Hungarian words along the way.
Practical Tips for Visiting
- Location: Deák tér, in the heart of downtown Budapest, easily accessible by metro, tram, or on foot.
- Opening hours: 10:00–17:00 daily, closed on Mondays.
- Admission: 900 HUF for adults (about €2.5), 450 HUF for students and pensioners. Free for kids under 6 and seniors over 70.
- Payment: Bring cash (Hungarian forints), as card payment may not be available.
- Language: Most captions are in English and Hungarian, but a little local language goes a long way.
- Bonus: Free entry with the Budapest Card.
The Final Stop: Why You Shouldn’t Miss This
Whether you’re a transport buff, a parent, or just someone who likes a good story, How We (Used to) Travel is a charming, offbeat window into Budapest’s soul. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the journey really is more important than the destination—especially if you get to press the stop button first.
So next time you’re in the city center, hop off at Deák Square and take a trip down memory lane. Who knows? You might just rediscover the magic of Budapest’s trams, metros, and buses—childlike wonder included.
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