Budapest History Museum / Castle Museum

"The Budapest History Museum, located within Buda Castle on Castle Hill, offers an insightful journey into the city's vibrant past. From life before the unification of Buda and Pest in 1873 to the transformative periods under the Habsburg Monarchy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the museum provides a detailed exploration of Budapest’s cultural and historical evolution. Despite significant losses during World War II, the museum still boasts a diverse collection of exhibits that capture the city's rich heritage. Visitors can discover a variety of artifacts, including photographs, furniture, tools, clothing, books, and graphics, each reflecting life in Budapest across different eras. The exhibits vividly portray daily life during the Habsburg era, when Austrian noblemen held power over Hungary, and after the Compromise of 1867, which created the Austro-Hungarian Empire with a more balanced power dynamic. The museum’s medieval section is particularly fascinating. Highlights include intricately carved stones, stove tiles adorned with the coats of arms of ruling families, and artifacts from King Matthias Corvinus’ Renaissance library. Interactive touchscreens offer detailed accounts of the ruling families of Buda Palace, their seals, coins, and heraldic symbols, enriched with stories and legends. Visitors can also view artistic constellations painted during the reign of King Matthias, who was deeply fascinated by astrology, alongside displays of medieval latrines, castle guard accommodations, and a stone carving workshop. The museum’s strategic location makes it accessible via a new entrance opened in 2014, connecting visitors from the Castle Garden Bazaar through an elevator or escalator. With a mix of medieval and modern elements, the museum is an excellent destination for history enthusiasts keen on exploring Budapest’s storied past. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm, and is closed on Mondays. It is open on many bank holidays and offers free admission on Hungarian national holidays such as March 15, August 20, and October 23. Tickets are available at 3,800 HUF for adults and 1,900 HUF for students and seniors, though prices may vary slightly due to inflation. An audio guide is also available for an additional fee, although it is temporarily unavailable. The museum can be found at 2 Szent György Square, Budapest 1014, and can be contacted at +36-1-487-8854. Festival days, such as the Crafts and Wine Festivals, often include museum access in the entry price, but separate admission is required for other sections of the Buda Castle, such as St. Stephen’s Hall and the National Gallery."

"The Castle Museum, a part of the diverse Budapest History Museum, unfolds the city's 2000-year history across four floors. Accessible from a two-level basement, restored palace rooms from the 15th century open to visitors, featuring three vaulted halls. One hall boasts a splendid Renaissance door frame in red marble displaying the seals of Queen Beatrix and King Matthias Corvinus. This leads to the Gothic and Renaissance Halls, King's Cellar (1480), and the 14th-century Tower Chapel. The ground floor displays highlight Budapest during the Middle Ages, showcasing Gothic statues discovered in 1974 and artifacts from a well dating back to Turkish times, including a 14th-century tapestry of the Hungarian coat of arms. The first floor features an engaging exhibit called 'Light & Shadow: 1000 Years of a Capital,' tracing Budapest's history through multimedia sections, examining housing, ethnic diversity, religion, and other themes over the centuries. On the second floor, exhibits stretch back to prehistoric times, covering Budapest's history until the end of the Avar period in the late 8th century. A comprehensive audio guide is available for 1200Ft."

"If you like history, the Budapest History Museum (Budapest Torteneti Muzeum) is an ideal place to visit in the Buda Castle on the Castle Hill. The Budapest History Museum focus on the turbulent history of the 2000 years of the city. Here you get a glimpse into life before 1873 when Buda and Pest were united as well as life during the Habsburg monarchy. Opening hours: every day 10am to 6pm (closed on mondays) Price: 3,800 HUF / €10"