Visit Museums For Free and Celebrate Hungary’s Birthday!

Hey there! Have you heard the exciting news? Budapest is offering free museum entries on August 20th as part of the national celebration! It’s an incredible opportunity to explore some of the city’s most fascinating museums without spending a dime. You can learn more about the programs during the celebrations on the official website of the event.

Let’s start with the Hungarian Natural History Museum, a favorite among kids. It houses the largest collection of natural history specimens in Hungary, including minerals, rocks, fossils, plants, animals, and human artifacts. The little ones will be thrilled by the exciting exhibits and interactive, playful activities. Just keep in mind that the Riding Hall building, which houses the permanent exhibitions, is not air-conditioned. Oh, and you’ll still need to purchase tickets for the Dino Garden and the Nature Explorer Room.

Next up is the Museum of Ethnography, where you can discover the memories of different communities and ethnic groups from all over the world. It’s an exciting adventure for kids to explore the past, present, and the connections between cultures and generations. The museum offers free entry on national holidays, including August 20th.

If your child is even slightly interested in history, they’ll be absolutely enchanted by the Aquincum Museum, also known as the “Hungarian Pompeii.” Here, you can see the preserved walls and artifacts of the ancient settlement that existed during the Roman Empire, including the Hercules Villa and a preserved ancient bath.

For a unique perspective on agricultural history, head to the Hungarian Agricultural Museum. It showcases the development and history of agriculture, forestry, hunting, fishing, viticulture, domestication, forests, plants, and horse keeping in Hungary. You can also see a timeline of world-record deer, fallow deer, roe deer, and wild boar trophies.

Older children might find the Military History Institute and Museum particularly interesting. It presents Hungary’s military history through military relics, artifacts, weapons, letters, and uniforms. On August 20th, the museum is hosting a Family Day from 9 am to 5 pm, where you can enjoy free entry to the permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as guided tours of the Weapons History Exhibition at 10 am and 2 pm.

For a more sobering experience, the House of Terror offers an interactive exhibition that vividly depicts 20th-century history. However, due to the sometimes shocking content, it’s not recommended for young children and is not accessible at all for those under 6 years old.

Don’t miss the opportunity to step back in time and experience the enchanting atmosphere of Danube navigation during the peaceful era of the early 20th century. The Pannonia boat, a beautifully restored day trip ship built in 1927, offers a free tour and exhibition that will transport you to a bygone era. As you embark on this vintage vessel, you’ll be greeted by the art deco style furnishings that adorn the interiors, reminiscent of the 1900s. The ship’s attention to detail is evident in the use of high-quality materials, such as copper railings and door handles, solid wood coverings, and glass decorations, which can be found on all decks.

The Exhibition of the Holy Right Hand and the Golden Train offers a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of the country. The centerpiece of the exhibition is the Holy Right, the mummified right hand of King Stephen I, the first king of Hungary. The Holy Right is considered a national relic and holds great significance for the Hungarian people. To transport this sacred relic, a special train was built in 1938 called the Golden Train. The rebuilt Golden Train has been strategically placed near the Parliament building in Alkotmány Street.

If you have a little boy who loves firefighters, the Fire Brigade Museum is a must-visit. The museum aims to showcase firefighting, firefighters’ tools, and activities. And the best part? Admission is always free, not just on national holidays! Just take note that the museum will be closed on 17th of august, but it will await visitors on the 20th from 9 am to 3 pm.

These are just a few of the incredible museums offering free entry on August 20th in Budapest. It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in history, culture, and knowledge without worrying about the cost. So, gather your family and friends, and embark on an unforgettable museum adventure in the heart of Hungary’s capital city!