Discover Budapest’s Museum Festival and Free Museum Days: A Culture Lover’s Guide

Discover Budapest’s Museum Festival and Free Museum Days: A Culture Lover’s Guide
Reading time 4 minutes
Published
Date 2025.05.16
Author Dani Pesti

If you’re planning a trip to Budapest in May and love culture, history, or art, you’re in for a treat! Budapest is renowned for its vibrant museum scene, and every spring, the city opens its doors even wider with special events and free entry days that make exploring its treasures accessible for everyone. Here’s how you can make the most of your visit and experience the best of Budapest’s museums-without spending a forint.

Celebrate International Museum Day – May 18, 2025

Mark your calendar for May 18, 2025, when Budapest celebrates International Museum Day. On this day, several major museums, especially those under the Budapest History Museum (BTM), offer free entry for all visitors. This is a fantastic opportunity to discover some of the city’s most fascinating collections and historical sites at no cost.

Museums with Free Entry on May 18, 2025:

  • Aquincum Museum
    1031 Budapest, Szentendrei út 135.
    Explore ancient Roman ruins and artifacts from Budapest’s earliest days.
  • Budapest History Museum / Castle Museum
    1014 Budapest, Szent György tér 2. (Buda Castle, Building E)
    Dive into the city’s story from medieval times to modern days.
  • Kiscell Museum
    1037 Budapest, Kiscelli utca 108.
    Discover urban history and unique exhibitions in a former Baroque monastery.
  • Capital Picture Gallery (Fővárosi Képtár)
    1036 Budapest, Lajos utca 158.
    Enjoy a diverse collection of paintings, drawings, and graphics.
  • Budapest Gallery
    1036 Budapest, Lajos utca 158.
    Contemporary art in a dynamic setting.

No restrictions apply-everyone is welcome!

Experience the Museum Festival (Múzeumok Majálisa) – May 24–25, 2025

A highlight of Budapest’s cultural calendar, the Museum Festival takes place on May 24–25, 2025, at the Hungarian National Museum and its beautiful garden (Múzeum körút 14-16, District VIII). This lively event brings together around 100 museums from all over Hungary for two days of free programs, concerts, hands-on activities, and family fun.

Best deals of Budapest

What to Expect:

  • Free entry to all exhibitions inside the Hungarian National Museum.
  • Outdoor festival atmosphere with music, street performances, and interactive museum stands.
  • Special activities for kids and adults alike, including concerts, workshops, and guided tours.
  • A unique chance to meet museum professionals and discover hidden gems from across Hungary-all in one place.

Getting there:
The museum is centrally located and easily reached by trams 47, 49, or the M3 (blue) metro to Kálvin tér.

Other Free Museum Entry Options in Budapest

Even if you miss these special dates, Budapest offers several ways to enjoy its museums for free throughout the year. The Budapest Card also provides free or discounted entry to many museums, but this is a paid city pass for tourists.

Free Entry on the Last Sunday of Each Month

Many state museums provide free entry on the last Sunday of each month, but usually with some restrictions:

  • Eligibility: EEA (European Economic Area) citizens under 26, children under 18, and up to two accompanying adults.
  • Popular participating museums:
    • Petőfi Literary Museum (Károlyi utca 16, 1053 Budapest)
    • Aquincum Museum (Szentendrei út 135, 1031 Budapest)
    • Kiscell Museum (Kiscelli uEligibility:
    • Popular participating museums:
      • Petőfi Literary Museum – Károlyi utca 16, 1053 Budapest
      • Kiscell Museum – Kiscelli utca 108, 1037 Budapest
      • Aquincum Museum – Szentendrei út 135, 1031 Budapest
      • Budapest History Museum – Szent György tér 2, 1014 Budapest
      • Budapest Gallery – Lajos utca 158, 1036 Budapest
      • Hungarian National Museum – Múzeum körút 14-16, 1088 Budapest (third Saturday for EEA youth and families)
      • Museum of Fine Arts – Dózsa György út 41, 1146 Budapest (third Saturday for EEA youth and families)
      • Hungarian National Gallery – Szent György tér 2, 1014 Budapest (third Saturday for EEA youth and families)
    • Proof: Bring ID or passport to prove eligibility.
    • Always check the museum’s website for current details and eligibility.

Free Entry on National Holidays

  • Dates: March 15, August 20, and October 23
  • Who: Free for all visitors at most state museums, including the Hungarian National Museum, Hungarian National Gallery, Museum of Fine Arts, and others.
  • Note: Always check individual museum websites for confirmation and possible exceptions.

Museums That Are Always Free

Some museums and galleries in Budapest offer free entry year-round. A few require advance registration for guided tours, but most are open to walk-in visitors:

  • Money Museum – Krisztina krt. 6, 1122 Budapest (registration required)
  • Police Museum – Mosonyi utca 7, 1087 Budapest (registration required)
  • Deák17 Gallery – Deák Ferenc utca 17, 1052 Budapest
  • Virág Judit Gallery – Falk Miksa utca 30, 1055 Budapest
  • Deák Erika Gallery – Mozsár utca 1, 1066 Budapest
  • Várfok Gallery – Várfok utca 11, 1012 Budapest
  • Faur Zsófi Gallery – Bartók Béla út 25, 1114 Budapest

Make the Most of Budapest’s Museum Scene

Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or just looking for a fun and budget-friendly way to explore Budapest, the city’s museums are open and welcoming-especially during International Museum Day and the Museum Festival. Take advantage of these free entry days, immerse yourself in Hungarian culture, and discover why Budapest is a true treasure trove for curious minds!

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Discover Budapest’s Museum Festival and Free Museum Days: A Culture Lover’s Guide