A Guide to Budapest's Art Museums

For an overview of Hungarian art, this is the museum to visit. Located in Buda Castle, the permanent exhibition offers a look at works from the last thousand years, with sculptures, carvings, Gothic art, and more modern pieces from the 20th century on display. There’s also an exhibition focusing on the work of renowned Hungarian painter Mihály Munkácsy, as well as temporary exhibitions running alongside the permanent collection.

Hungarian National Gallery, Szent György tér 2., Budapest, Hungary +36 20 439 7325

Founded in 1802, this neoclassical building houses collections that allow visitors to learn about the history of Hungary, with exhibitions displaying pieces from the worlds of art, archaeology and literature. Works from medieval times through to the modern day are included in the permanent exhibitions, as well as Roman pieces.

Hungarian National Museum, Múzeum krt. 14-16, Budapest, Hungary +36 1 338-2122

Founded by German couple Irene and Peter Ludwig, with a number of works from their personal collection on display, this art museum focuses on presenting Eastern and Central European art from the mid 20th century up to the present day. Pieces from artists such as Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg and Roy Lichtenstein can be found here, while temporary exhibitions provide a platform for established Hungarian and international artists.

Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art, Komor Marcell u. 1, Budapest, Hungary +36 1 555 3444

Opened in 1906, for the last century this museum has been home to a unified collection of fine art. The neoclassicist building was designed by architects Albert Schickedanz and Fülöp Herzog. Works of art from Europe are the focus; there’s also a collection of Egyptian art. Other permanent exhibitions include Classical Antiquities, Old Master Paintings and pieces produced after 1800 with artists such as Monet, Manet, Rodin, Cezanne and Chagall on display. Currently closed for renovation; opens again in Spring 2018

Museum of Fine Arts, Dózsa György út 41, Budapest, Hungary +36 1 469 7100

Also known as the Hall of Art, or the Kunsthalle (thanks to its modeling on the German Kunsthalles, with their constantly changing exhibitions), this not-for-profit museum found on Budapest’s Hero’s Square focuses on contemporary art from both Hungarian and international artists. As well as established names, up and coming creatives are also given a platform, with exhibitions showing the work of students from local universities occasionally shown.

Mücsarnok, Dózsa György út 37, Budapest, Hungary +36 1 460 7000

Founded in 1972, this museum focuses on applied arts (the application of art to everyday objects). International and local works from across a range of time periods are displayed, making for a varied and interesting collection. Furniture art, timepieces and a ceramics collection make up just a few of the pieces on show.

Museum of Applied Arts, Üllői út 33-37, Budapest, Hungary, +36 1 456 5107