Published: March 12, 2024
Updated: March 13, 2024
Celebrate the spirit of the Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence with a diverse array of events across Budapest. From family activities to historical commemorations, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
Visit the Hungarian National Museum (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum) – March 15-17 (Free, No Registration Required)
Delve into the bustling crowd that gathered in front of the museum on March 15th and be the first to read the revolutionary demands. Engage with the characters and events of the revolution through museum games. Activities for children and adults alike make for a thrilling exploration of history. Entry to the museum and all programs is free during these dates, with the museum opening at 2 PM on the 15th.
Family Day at the Archives (Családi Nap a Levéltárban) – March 15, From 10 AM (Free, Some Programs Require Registration)
The National Archives invite you to a journey back in time to experience the adventurous events of 1848-49 and get to know Petőfi Sándor and his contemporaries through unique exhibits and engaging tasks.
Commemorative Walk in Jókai’s Garden (Múltidéző Séta a Jókai-Kertben) – March 15, 10:00-12:00 (Advance Ticket Purchase Required)
Discover a hidden gem in Budapest where the famous Hungarian writer Mór Jókai spent his summers gardening and writing. This guided tour revives the atmosphere of the 1850s and the everyday life of the Jókai family. Advance ticket purchase is required.
Family Programs in the Buda Castle District (Családi Programok a Budai Várnegyedben) – Várkert Bazár, Buda Castle, March 15, 10:00-18:00 (Free, Some Programs Require Registration)
Immerse yourself in history with lectures, exhibitions, music, dance, and literature, alongside free family programs, weapon demonstrations, and horseback hussars, filling the newly renovated Buda Castle District.
Programs at the Bálna Center (Programok a Bálnában) – March 15, 9:45-18:00 (Free)
Honor the heroes of the 1848-49 revolution and war of independence with a full day of revolutionary spirit at the Bálna Defense Center, featuring free lectures, discussions, music, dance, and craft fairs.
Family Programs in the Castle Museum of the Budapest History Museum (BTM) (Családi Programok a BTM Vármúzeumban) – March 15, 10:00-17:00 (Free, Some Programs Require Registration)
Craft workshops offer a chance for both kids and adults to create unique memorabilia, play strategic battle games, and explore the revolution’s history through interactive puzzles and live tableaux.
Programs at the Petőfi Literary Museum (Programok a Petőfi Irodalmi Múzeumban) – March 15, 10:00-18:00 (Free, Some Programs Require Registration)
Celebrate the national holiday and the memory of Sándor Petőfi with a diverse program that approaches the revolution from multiple angles, including educational workshops and thematic guided tours.
The Railway History Park Opens (Nyit a Vasúttörténeti Park) – March 15, 10:00-16:00 (Free)
Marking its seasonal opening, the Railway History Park offers free admission and interactive programs, perfect for families and train enthusiasts alike.
Visiting the Holy Crown at the Parliament (Szent Korona Látogatása az Országházban) – March 15, All Day (Free, No Registration Required)
Experience the grandeur of the Hungarian Parliament for free, including the Crown Stairs, the Dome Hall, and the Holy Crown itself.
Performance Hike on the Children’s Railway (Teljesítménytúra a Gyermekvasúton) – Departure from Széchenyihegy, March 15, 8:00-10:00
Embark on a 20-kilometer hike from Széchenyihegy to Hűvösvölgy, passing by the main attractions and stations of the Children’s Railway.
Revolutionary Patch Workshop: Alternative Cockade Making (Forradalmi Felvarró Műhely: Alternatív Kokárda Készítés) – Kassák Museum, March 15, 10:00-13:00 (Registration Required)
Reflect on the meaning of freedom while crafting unique patches and cockades in this creative workshop at the Kassák Museum.
The Money Museum Turns 2 Years Old (2 Éves a Pénzmúzeum) – March 15, All Day (Free, No Registration Required)
Celebrate the anniversary of the Money Museum with a special event series reflecting on the national holiday. Visitors are encouraged to dress in period costumes to honor the revolution.
Enjoy these curated events that offer a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and educational experiences, perfect for celebrating Hungary’s cherished national holiday.
Several museums open their doors at no cost
Celebrating March 15th in Budapest offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage for free. Several museums open their doors at no cost, allowing visitors to delve into history, art, technology, and literature. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect:
- Magyar Nemzeti Galéria (Hungarian National Gallery): Nestled in the Buda Castle, this gallery showcases Hungarian art from the past few centuries.
- Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum (Hungarian National Museum): Dive into Hungary’s history, from the foundation of the state to the fall of communism.
- Szépművészeti Múzeum (Museum of Fine Arts): Offers an extensive collection of international art, including Egyptian, Greek, and Roman antiquities, and European art from the Middle Ages to the present day.
- Aquincumi Múzeum és Régészeti Park (Aquincum Museum and Archaeological Park): Discover the remains of the ancient city of Aquincum, once a significant Roman town.
- Magyar Mezőgazdasági Múzeum (Hungarian Agricultural Museum): Located in Vajdahunyad Castle, this museum explores the history of agriculture and rural life in Hungary.
- Sziklakórház Atombunker Múzeum (Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum): This former emergency hospital and nuclear bunker offers insights into WWII and the Cold War era.
- Budapesti Történeti Múzeum Vármúzeuma (Budapest History Museum’s Castle Museum): Focuses on the history of Budapest, showcasing the city’s development and significant events.
- Magyar Műszaki és Közlekedési Múzeum (Hungarian Museum of Science, Technology and Transport): Highlights Hungary’s contributions to science and technology, including the history of transportation.
- Terror Háza (House of Terror): A memorial to the victims of totalitarian regimes, featuring exhibits on the fascist and communist dictatorial periods in 20th-century Hungary.
- Petőfi Irodalmi Múzeum (Petőfi Literary Museum): Dedicated to Hungarian literature, the museum celebrates the life and works of Sándor Petőfi and other notable Hungarian authors.
