The Return of a Budapest Icon: Múzeum Coffeehouse Reopens in 2026
One of Budapest’s most storied cafés, the Múzeum Kávéház és Étterem, is set to reopen its doors in spring 2026, bringing back a cherished piece of Hungarian cultural heritage right in the heart of Józsefváros. Situated at the corner of Múzeum körút and Bródy Sándor utca, this historic venue has been a landmark in Budapest since 1876, originally opening as the Schodl Kávéház before quickly becoming known by its current name, inspired by the nearby Hungarian National Museum.
Throughout its 150-year history, the Múzeum Kávéház has been more than just a coffeehouse. Adorned with the stunning frescos of Károly Lotz, beautiful Emil Fischer tiles, and exquisite Zsolnay ceramics, the café has hosted generations of literary greats like Gyula Krúdy, Attila József, Zsigmond Móricz, and Gyula Illyés. Beyond being a hub for intellectual and cultural life, it was a gathering place for chess matches, political meetings, and vibrant public life in Budapest’s old days.
From Closure to Rebirth
The café closed its doors in 2020 after struggling under the pressures of changing times and the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing its historical and cultural value, Józsefváros Municipality took charge and invited tenders in early 2025 for new operators committed to preserving the café’s original atmosphere while running it as a hospitality business. CNTRL Kft., part of the renowned Eventrend Group—which also operates some of Budapest’s most famous venues like Gundel Étterem, Centrál Kávéház, and New York Café—won the bid and secured a 15-year lease.
This change promises expert stewardship combined with fresh energy and innovation. The ambitious reopening plan aims for spring 2026, with hopes that, come summer, visitors and locals can enjoy coffee on the café’s terrace while exploring the vibrant VIII district.
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Renovating History with Care
Despite its elegance, the building requires significant renovation to update outdated energy systems. Original single-glass windows and soaring ceilings that once charmed visitors had proven costly to heat and cool. The renovation will focus on improving energy efficiency while carefully preserving the café’s protected features. Visitors will still marvel at the original Lotz frescos, Fischer tiles, and Zsolnay ceramics—elements that lend the café its timeless charm.
Renovations and restorations will proceed in close cooperation with heritage protection authorities to honor both the site’s legacy and its future as a lively hospitality venue.
Community and Culture at the Heart
CNTRL Kft. plans to make the Múzeum Kávéház more than just a café. They have committed to hosting regular events for disadvantaged groups and organizing pro bono cultural programs for school and university students, ensuring that Budapest’s youth remain connected to the café’s rich history. This approach promises a vibrant venue where history, community engagement, and excellent hospitality intersect.
What This Means for Visitors in 2026
When the Múzeum Kávéház reopens, tourists will again have a chance to step inside a venue filled with history, art, and stories that shaped Budapest’s cultural life for over a century. Whether you want to experience a classic Hungarian coffeehouse atmosphere with modern amenities, admire exquisite architecture, or participate in cultural events, this historic café will be a highlight of any visit to Budapest’s VIII district.
The reopening adds another jewel to Budapest’s rich hospitality scene, blending tradition with fresh, sustainable management, making it a must-visit for locals and visitors alike in 2026 and beyond.
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