Cultural Heritage Day
The idea of allowing the public to enjoy monuments and museums free of charge on a regular basis is not new - it was first conceived by the Europe Council in 1984 and has been kept in practice ever since. The purpose of Cultural Heritage Day is to open doors for ordinary people, to get familiar with our heritage and also to encourage its continuous safeguard by everyone.
Admission is free for heritage buildings and museums on Cultural Heritage Days.
It has been said; no one can love and truly care for things unless deeply familiar with it.
Listed here are a few samples of some of the over 300 events that will be taking place during Cultural Heritage Day in Hungary.
State Archives of Hungary
BUDAPEST, I.
Bécsi kapu square 2-4.
The State Archives of Hungary building was erected in 1923, and the interior walls were decorated by Zsolnay factory made ceramic tiles from Pecs, the windows were done by the glass strainer artist Miksa Róth, and the ceiling was decorated with fresco-seccos which is done by the famous Hungarian artist, Andor Dudits.
This is one of the first buildings in Hungary which was designed solely for holding archives, and currently hosts many of the original documents of Hungary's thousand year history. In the National Correspondence section, one can find many original historical documents of past state administrations, justice departments, major institutions, industrial enterprises, and large number of references to major Hungarian family history correspondence.
In fact, the complete archival material of the National Archives of Hungary consists of some 71 thousand meters of records and more than 62 million microfilm frames.
Other than the regular public tours of the building, children programs and many exhibits are also offered.
The most current exhibit shown is titled "Changing the government in Hungary (1987-1990)"
Open hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm
Sandor Palace
This building was built in classical style based of the plan of Mihály Pollack in 1806, and was home of many state ministers for more than a century. Unfortunately, most of the walls were destroyed by bombing during WWII, and left in ruin for many years after. It was rebuilt only some years later.
Starting in the year of 2002, this building became the home of President of the Republic.
Entering from the West side entrance, one can walk through the Circle Salon, Goblin Salon, Maria Teresa Salon, Mirror Salon, and end up in the Antechamber room just to find an exit to a beautiful balcony facing the city's unparalleled panorama. Open hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm
Ferences Church
BUDAPEST, V. Ferenciek square 9.
This church is one of the most popular churches in Budapest. It was built in gothic style by the order of King Béla IV. in 1250.
One interesting aspect of the architecture is it's headstone that faces to a gradually widening plaza that seems allure the casual observer to enter inside.
Open hours: Saturday only, 2pm to midnight.
Underground Railway Museum
BUDAPEST, VII.Deák plaza underground
This is an interesting museum aimed to commemorate of the 100 years history of Underground Railway in Budapest. It was designed to completely replace the old system. An abandoned station was chosen for the museum site in 1975 and the exhibit the time was mainly concentrated only on how the new lines were to be built. Only later, when the 100th year of service was celebrated in 1996, the museum had been extended to be a showcase of old railway cars, contemporary documents and photos.
Open hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm
Flag Museum
BUDAPEST, VIII.
József krt. 68. (at Nap street corner)
This museum was opened on a permanent site with the help of Cultural Centre of Jozsefvaros and other various local governments, it has said to be the world's first permanent flag museum, on October 20th of 1995.
The exhibit consist some 6000 flags, as well as coat's of arms from various Hungarian settlements.
Open hours: Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 6pm
Roman Catholic Church of Bakacs Plaza
Bakáts plaza
This long standing church was consecrated some 130 year ago and the building itself was designed by the famous Hungarian architect, Miklós Ybl. Furthermore, the entrance piece was an award winning design of the World Fair of Paris, in 1878.
There is an exhibit of parish-owned vestments and guided tours are available upon request.
Open hours: Saturday 10am-1pm and 6:30-10pm, Sunday 1-5pm
Museum of Applied Arts
BUDAPEST, IX.
Ülloi str. 33-37.
This building is said to have one of most beautiful architecture in Budapest.
When it was built, it was the third museum of its kind to be established in Europe (in 1872), just after the other museums at similar names in London (in 1857), and in Vienna (in 1864).
The design was conceived by an archaeologist and historian named Romer Floris (1815-1889), and planned out by an architect named Ödön Lechner in secession style. He decorated the building with Zsolnay tile patterns inspired by old Magyar and Turkic folk art.
The museum tour starts in the first gallery at 2pm and its theme is "Palace: from the cellar to attic".
Open hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 6pm
Bajor Gizi Museum
BUDAPEST, XII.
Stromfeld Aurél str. 16.
The Museum of Actors was opened on the first anniversary of passing of actress Gizi Bajor, on 12 February 1952, in the house where the late actress lived. The idea to create this kind museum was first originated from an actress named Hilda Gobbi. Later, the museum was actually extended to make additional exhibit rooms to commemorate other actresses of Hungarian theatre history. Now, there are exhibit rooms for Mari Jászai, Emília Márkus, and interesting a new room added for the late Hilda Gobbi herself in 1990.
Open hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 6pm
Puskás Ferenc Stadium and Statue Park
BUDAPEST, XIV.
Istvánmezei str. 3-5.
A sport complex that was one of the largest of its kind at the time when it was built between 1948 and 1953. Thousands of volunteers and just as many solders worked on its construction. First, it was named as "Peoples Stadium", and was host to many glorious football games.
Later, it was renamed after Ferenc Puskás, widely regarded as the best striker in the world in his time and greatest football player in Hungary's football history; he was a true star of the national team during its glory years during the late 1940s and early 1950s.
The stadium is also used for many other cultural events and state visits as well, including the memorable visit of Pope John Paul II in 1991, who addressed the Hungarian people in person from the field of the stadium.
Open hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 2pm