Hungarian National Museum

Hungarian National Museum

The Hungarian National Museum is the most representative building in Hungary and one of the most beautiful architectural specimens of the Classical era. Designed by Mihály Pollack and constructed starting in 1837, it was completed in 1847. The building itself is worth a special visit. Its portico is fronted by eight massive Corinthian columns supporting an ornately sculpted pediment, modeled after the west facade of the Temple of Zeus. A grand chandelier hangs above the hall, along with a wide staircase—features that are truly breathtaking.

The museum displays the development of Hungary and Budapest from the Paleolithic Age to the present. Its collection includes a Roman house with an exquisitely preserved mosaic floor, as well as the piano once played by Beethoven and later presented to Liszt. As the largest museum in Hungary, its most treasured exhibit is Hungary’s national crown jewel—the Holy Crown of St. Stephen. Stephen I was Hungary’s first king. Although historical records cannot confirm whether he actually wore this crown, it is certain that the Holy Crown of St. Stephen dates back at least to the early 13th century and is one of the oldest crowns in the world, thus becoming a symbol of the Kingdom of Hungary.