The Top Non-Art Museums in Budapest

During WWII, a series of caves under Buda Castle Hill were converted into a hospital. They would retain this purpose until 1956 when, after treating wounded soldiers and civilians during the 1956 revolution against Communist rule, the hospital was repurposed as a nuclear bunker. Recent years have seen the former hospital converted into a museum, allowing visitors to learn more about its medical history, with waxwork figures recreating scenes from the hospital’s past. There’s also the chance to get an insight into its use as a nuclear bunker; the museum can only be visited by guided tour, meaning visitors receive an informative experience at this unique historic site.

Housed in a stunning Neo-Renaissance palace, the Ethnographic Museum is worth seeing for its grand architecture alone; however, for anyone hoping for a glimpse into Hungarian traditions while checking out authentic folk arts and crafts, a visit to the museum itself is a must. Entitled ‘Traditional Culture of the Hungarians’, the museum’s permanent collection focuses on the Hungarian peasantry between the late 1700s up until WWI. Over 3,000 items of traditional dress, tools, crafts and more are on display throughout 13 rooms, while temporary exhibitions allow for a further insight into Hungarian culture and history.

Unusual, quirky and a lot of fun, Budapest’s Pinball Museum houses 130 pinball machines – which visitors are welcome to make full use of. Thanks to this interactive element, the museum has become incredibly popular since opening its doors in April 2014. Machines from as early as the 19th century up until the present day can be found here, allowing visitors to see the evolution of pinball and experience a fascinating insight into its history and development. For a nostalgic, fun filled experience – this museum is the one to visit!

A family-friendly museum with a vast natural history collection allowing visitors to learn about Hungary and the Carpathian Basin, the Hungarian Natural History Museum is home to a number of fascinating exhibitions. The permanent collection includes a section on minerals, rocks and gems; an exhibition about the history of dinosaurs in Hungary; and a fin whale skeleton.

Housed in the striking Vajdahunyad Castle, the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture is the largest agricultural museum in Europe. Visitors can see exhibitions examining the history of agriculture; farming in Hungary; and wine-making. A visit to the museum is also a great opportunity to check out the inside of the architecturally stunning castle itself.