7 captivating guided walks for November, if you would like to discover the secrets of Budapest’s buildings
We have collected museums and institutions in a bouquet whose buildings hide exciting secrets, stories and curiosities. You can discover them on building walks in November.
ELTE University Library and Archives (November 3, 7, 10)
Few people know that the ELTE University Library and Archives, hidden in Ferenciek square, boasted more than 460 years of history and no less than two million documents. On the afternoon of November 3, 7 and 10, from 5 p.m. on the occasion of the Autumn Festival of Museums, the secrets of the library’s pillared palace hall, the female figures representing the sciences and the arts, will be in the center, but the doors of the seven-locked antiquities warehouse will be revealed to those interested. Participation is free.
Ludwig Museum (November 5)
The history of the Ludwig Museum began a little more than 30 years ago with 70 donated works of art. Hungary’s first museum, which is filled to the brim with contemporary art, will offer a glimpse behind the scenes as part of the Autumn Festival of Museums on November 5: the veil is lifted on the work of the restorers, but the museum’s security expert is also preparing many interesting things for the participants of the program. You can participate in the walk with a valid ticket, you can register until November 4.
Vigadó in Buda (November 8, 14)
It is perhaps not surprising that, following the example of the Vigadó of Pest, the people living in Buda once formulated their own need for comfort. Nowadays, the Vigadó building in Buda, which houses the House of Traditions, is full of excitement from top to bottom, from the ground floor to the attic. The comprehensive building walk in Vigado in Buda on November 8 and 14 reveals a series of spaces, halls and secrets from the kerengő, the Atrium, the theater hall to the closed gallery.
If the building tours got you in the mood for the exhibitions, visit them too
Museum of Ethnography
It is no exaggeration to say that the building of the Museum of Ethnography is admired by half the world with its unusual appearance and special design. However, the exterior is worthless without the interior content, the special solutions used during construction, the behind-the-scenes stories of the groundbreaking museum, and the history of the building’s exterior cladding. Fortunately, the MÉTA walk, which covers 90 minutes and covers so many mysteries, reveals everything. For current dates and registration, visit neprajz.hu.
Vigadó of Pest (November 16)
There was no one who did not marvel at the Pesti Vigadó building, whose walls were once filled with a vibrant social life. There was no one who didn’t want to come here, and maybe it’s no different today, especially when the multi-awarded architect Ferencz Marcel guides us around. The building history walk on November 16 sheds light on historical and social relationships, as well as architectural workshop secrets, which will make everyone look at Pesti Vigado differently.
Hungarian National Gallery (November 19)
From the crypt to the dome, the building of the former royal palace, the Hungarian National Gallery, holds countless secrets and stories. The Gallery, home to countless exciting exhibitions, reveals its past in the framework of a one-hour building walk. On November 19, from 11 a.m., participants can get to know the Habsburg palatial crypt, the dome offering a wonderful panorama, and other special parts of the building.
Institute of Geology (November 25)
One of the most unique treasures of Budapest, a unique work of Hungarian Art Nouveau by Ödön Lechner, is hidden in the multitude of villas on Stefánia Street. The Geological Institute, which, next to the Postal Palace, is a truly mature masterpiece of the architect, undoubtedly cries out for discovery. On November 25th, Trésors de Budapest – Treasures of Budapest will present a 1.5-hour building in the building as the blue wonder of Stefánia út to those interested.