Memento Park

Budapest, Hungary

Memento Park is an open-air museum in Budapest, dedicated to monumental statues from Hungary's Communist period (1949–1989). There are statues of Lenin, Marx, and Engels, as well as several Hungarian Communist leaders. The park was designed by Hungarian architect Ákos Eleőd, who won the competition announced by the Budapest General Assembly in 1991.

Memento Park is divided into two sections: Statue Park, officially named “A Sentence About Tyranny” Park after a poem of the same name by Gyula Ilyés, and Witness Square (also called 'Neverwas Square'). Statue Park houses 42 of the statues that were removed from Budapest after the fall of communism. Witness Square holds a replica of Stalin's Boots which became a symbol of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 after the statue of Stalin was pulled down from its pedestal in 1956.

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Details

Founded: 1991
Category: Museums in Hungary

Rating

4.1/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Aslıhan Akın (10 months ago)
It's a little far away but you can reach there easily by bus. Although the weather was verya cold, it was a worthy experience. It's the commemoration of Hungarians who sacrificed their lives to defend their rights. It's a very interesting visit, I think that this establishment should be supported. Entry fee with the student discount was 1800 HUF, which was quite affordable. Much recommended.
Daisy Steiner (13 months ago)
This museum, unlike many in Budapest is open on a Monday. It is located on the outskirts of Budapest. We took two Metros and a bus to get there but honestly much simpler than it sounds. The visit is an unnerving experience. A huge entrance wall with foreboding statues and Russian music booming greats you on arrival and sets the mood for the visit. There is an old trabant you can sit in, and the ethos of the museum is explained on the nearby display board. There are around 40 pieces here that include some striking statues. Adjacent to the statue park is an old barracks like shed where you can learn about Hungary under Soviet rule. It's really dimly lit so it can be hard to read the text. There is also a small film theatre showing a training film for Soviet Secret service agents. Very interesting but the theatre was rather cold. Then there is the bunker below the Stalins boor structure, very eerie. Good to see.
Chris (13 months ago)
A really informative and interesting experience. I would definitely advise purchasing the guide book if you're interested in understanding the history of the statutes! It wasn't too busy and isn't a typical tourist location, but was really interesting and worth visiting. We experienced no wait for tickets, but we did visit on a Monday in September. There's a toilet on site as well, and the ticket office/gift shop also sold soft drinks and tea/coffee. I wouldn't suggest this location as somewhere to bring food and have lunch, although there is a shaded seating area near the ticket office where you could eat. Overall, I'd definitely recommend visiting!
Molly Messer (14 months ago)
Definitely enjoyed this experience! We took public transportation from city central, and it took about 45 minutes. Very simple if you're used to transit systems. The price of admission was reasonable - despite other reviews. We spent nearly 2 hours looking and learning. I highly recommend buying a guide book, as all the (historical) plaques are in Hungarian language only.
Kata Budapest tour guide (14 months ago)
The statue park where the soviet statue had been taken to after 1989. On one of the pics you can see the boots of Stalin but not Stalin itself as the statue had been demolished. At the entrance it is Lenin and Karl Marx waiting for you. They have a cinema part with four little movies, interesting. Takes approx 20 mins to get here by car from the center of Budapest. Adult ticket costs 3000 huf. They have a little gift shop too.
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