Museum of Music History

"The Museum of Music History, also known as the Institute for Musicology, showcases the rich musical heritage of Hungary from the 18th century to the present day. Located in a beautiful courtyard near the Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, the museum offers a comprehensive journey through Hungary's musical history. The museum’s exhibits include recitals, sheet music, and original scores, along with multimedia displays. This immersive experience allows visitors to listen to recordings of the instruments on display, enhancing the museum's appeal to anyone with an interest in music. A key highlight of the museum is the gramophone used by Hungarian composers Béla Bartók and Zoltán Kodály. This instrument was pivotal in capturing the authentic folk music from the diverse nations of the Carpathian Basin, including Hungarian, Szekler, Transylvanian, Romanian, and Slovakian influences. These recordings are crucial in understanding the blend of folk traditions that shaped Hungarian music. The museum's collection also features a remarkable array of original scores, programs, books, and historical musical instruments, many of which are numbered and labeled, some in English. The focus is on Hungarian music, emphasizing its deep folk traditions. Visitors can explore the works of composers like Franz Liszt, Béla Bartók, and Zoltán Kodály, as well as Hungarian Gypsy music, all of which showcase the diversity and richness of the country’s musical culture."