Hungarian National Gallery

Budapest, Hungary

The Hungarian National Gallery was established in 1957 as the national art museum and is located in Buda Castle. Its collections cover Hungarian art in all genres, including the works of many nineteenth- and twentieth-century Hungarian artists who worked in Paris and other locations in the West. The primary museum for international art in Budapest is the Museum of Fine Arts.

The National Gallery houses Medieval, Renaissance, Gothic art, Baroque and Renaissance Hungarian art. The collection includes wood altars from the 15th century.

The museum displays a number of works from Hungarian sculptors such as Károly Alexy, Maurice Ascalon, Miklós Borsos, Gyula Donáth, János Fadrusz, Béni Ferenczy, István Ferenczy and Miklós Izsó. It also exhibits paintings and photographs by major Hungarian artists such as Brassai and Ervin Marton, part of the circle who worked in Paris before World War II. The gallery displays the work of artists such as Mihály Munkácsy and László Paál. The museum also holds paintings by Karoly Marko, Josef Borsos, Miklos Barabas, Bertelan Szekely, Karoly Lotz, Pál Szinyei Merse, Istvan Csok, Bela Ivanyi Grunwald, Tivadar Kosztka Csontváry (Ruins of Ancient Theatre, Taormina), József Rippl-Rónai (Models), and Károly Ferenczy.

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Details

Founded: 1957
Category: Museums in Hungary

More Information

en.wikipedia.org
www.mng.hu

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Jula Pycz (2 months ago)
If you want the whole experience- get there early. We started with the temporary exhibition with access to the permanent one around 2pm and we had to rush at the end (the gallery closes at 5:30 pm-6pm) and there was still a lot to see. The interiors are very tidy and well taken care of, it is quiet and spacious. Worth the prices too (50% discount if you’re from EU and under 26yo). The recently renewed temporary exhibition is a must see - different art for everyone. I’m happy to have visited and next time I’d consider getting there earlier.
Tammam Hasan (2 months ago)
The Hungarian National Gallery in Budapest is an absolute gem for anyone interested in Hungarian art and history. The gallery offers not only an extensive collection but also breathtaking views of the city and the Danube River. What impressed me most about the gallery was its focus on Hungarian art, which spans several centuries—from medieval times to contemporary works. It’s rare to find such a comprehensive collection in one place, and it truly allows visitors to appreciate the country’s rich cultural heritage. The medieval stone carvings and Gothic altars were particularly striking, providing a glimpse into Hungary’s early artistic traditions. The gallery also showcases masterpieces from the Romantic and Realist periods, including works by renowned Hungarian painters like Miklós Barabás and Mihály Munkácsy. The way the exhibits are curated makes it easy to follow the progression of artistic styles, and there’s enough context provided for non-experts to understand the significance of the pieces. Another highlight is the temporary exhibitions, which bring a fresh and dynamic element to the gallery. When I visited, there was a contemporary art exhibition that offered a fascinating contrast to the historical works, showing how Hungarian art continues to evolve. The building itself is impressive, blending historical architecture with modern gallery spaces. Walking through the various wings felt like a journey through time. Plus, the views from the gallery's terraces are spectacular—definitely a bonus after spending a few hours immersed in art. One thing I would recommend is to take your time here. The gallery is large, and there’s so much to see that it’s worth dedicating a few hours to truly explore everything. Overall, the Hungarian National Gallery offers a well-rounded cultural experience, blending art, history, and stunning surroundings in one place. It’s a must-visit for anyone in Budapest!
Tom Butler-Bowdon (3 months ago)
Incredible place, spent over four hours there soaking in the art of a nation from the middle ages to modernism. Particularly liked the Soviet era glass bricks in the central hall, please notice and appreciate them! And don’t miss going up to the cupola for stunning Danube views.
Travis Lipshus (3 months ago)
Fantastic gallery with an amazing collection of Hungarian art. They also have some international names like a Gauguin, Monet and Cezanne but the best part is their own movements from the beginning of last century. At the top in the dome there are sweeping views of the city albeit with tight stairway access. Worth spending the majority of your time here on a given day as the other museums in the city do not compare.
jan kowalski (4 months ago)
The museum is located in the Buda Palace and is spread over three of its floors. On each floor you can admire different permanent and temporary exhibitions. It is worth setting aside a lot of time for sightseeing because the facility contains a lot of paintings and other types of art. There is a possibility of an audio tour, but it is not obligatory, because each of the paintings is well described. The exhibitions are very sensibly constructed, allowing you to acquire general knowledge about art in Hungary and its key representatives. I recommend it to anyone interested in art, whether classical or modern. However, I do not recommend coming here with children because they can get very bored, unless you are sure that your child is an art lover ?
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