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Museum of Fine Arts | European art through the ages

Located in the vibrant city of Budapest, the Museum of Fine Arts houses a rich, well-curated collection of art from Hungary and the rest of Europe from hundreds of years ago to the late 18th century. The permanent exhibits include Ancient Egyptian artefacts, antiques from the Roman Empire, paintings of Old Masters like Rembrandt, Raphael, and Francisco Goya, and other artworks that are around 800 years old. Read on to know more about the Museum of Fine Arts, how to buy Museum of Fine Arts tickets, opening hours, and other details to help you plan your visit.

Why visit the Museum of Fine Arts Budapest?

  • Hungary’s artistic legacy: Hungary is a multi-ethnic, multicultural society that has a rich and deep heritage of arts of all genres. The magnificent collection at the Museum of Fine Arts epitomizes its artistic legacy and is a paradise for art history enthusiasts.
  • Works of Old Masters: The museum has a rich collection of more than 10,000 paintings, drawings, and prints of Italian and European masters from the early Renaissance to the Romantic periods. These include illustrious artists like Raphael, Giovanni Batista, Leonardo da Vinci, Francisco Goya, Anthony van Dyck, and many others. 
  • Egyptian antiques: The museum’s eclectic collection of Ancient Egyptian mummies, amulets, and bronze statues is the second largest in Europe. These artefacts were donated to the museum by 19th-century Hungarian aristocratic travellers, diplomats, and archaeologists. 
  • Architectural masterpiece: The building that houses the Museum of Fine Arts was constructed in 1906 and is a fine example of neo-classical architecture. Its high ceilings provide the perfect backdrop for the exhibits and its beautiful lighting highlights the artworks.

Highlights of the Museum of Fine Arts

Ancient Egypt

The Egyptian section holds exhibits under three themes that educate visitors about the Ancient Egyptians’ temples and gods, the people and their everyday life, and the tombs and their beliefs about death. There is also an “Egyptian Chamber of Secrets”, where visitors can learn interesting new facts about Ancient Egypt.

Classical Antiquity

This is a new permanent exhibition that focuses on the ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome, and Etruria (in Italy). The displays range from artistic to everyday objects of ancient Mediterranean civilizations and reveal the inclusiveness and interconnectedness of these cultures.

Halls of the Museum of Fine Arts

The museum displays its collection of artworks and sculptures in three grand halls. The Renaissance Hall is reminiscent of 16th century Italy. The medieval-style Romanesque Hall, with its Doric and Ionic columns, evokes the 11th and 12th centuries, while the ornamental Baroque Hall is built in a style that was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.

European Art from 1250 to 1800

Artworks from the Gothic and the Renaissance eras from 1250 to 1600 are displayed in the Renaissance Hall. The Baroque Hall houses art from the early Baroque era (1600 to 1700). Exhibits from 1700 to 1800 include a special section dedicated to Venetian painters, including Canaletto’s ‘The Lock at Dolo’.

European Sculptures from 1350 to 1800

Spanning 6 centuries, the European sculptures include masterpieces of the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque eras. Some of the noteworthy artworks are Riemenschneider’s Virgin and Child, the wax Virgin and Child by Jacopo Sansovino, and the Character Heads by Franz Xaver Messerschmidt.

Hungarian art from 1600 to 1800

There is a rich collection of Hungarian art at the Museum of Fine Arts dating from the 16th to the early 19th centuries. It includes beautiful ecclesiastical paintings, sculptures, still life portraits, rare tapestries, and Baroque architectural sculptures. These exhibits showcase the cultural and historical connections between Hungary and Central Europe.

Library

The Museum of Fine Arts has a vast library of Hungarian and international literature on art history. This collection of over 250,000 items dates from before 1850 to contemporary times and is as old as the museum itself.

Plaster cast collection

There is a large collection of plaster casts of famous monuments from across Europe that give visitors an understanding of the history of sculpture. These plaster casts are more than a century old and include approximately 300 replicas. These span relics from Archaic Greek art to the most well-known pieces of 16th century sculptures.

Plan your visit to the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest

Opening hours
Location
Facilities
Visitor tips
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Timings: 

  • Tuesdays to Sundays: 9 AM to 6 PM
  • Last Entry: 5 PM
  • Closed On: Mondays 

    Best time to visit: The months of April, May, September, and early October are the best time to visit the Museum of Fine Arts as the weather is pleasant and tourist numbers are lower. For a more relaxed and less crowded visit, weekdays are better than weekends.

Address: Budapest, Dózsa György út 41, 1146 Hungary

Find on maps

How to get to the Museum of Fine Arts:

  • By Bus: 20E, 30, 30A and 105
    Nearest stop: Hősök tere
  • By Subway: M1
    Nearest stop: Hősök tere 
  • By Trolleybus: Line 72, 75, 79, 
    Nearest stop: Hősök tere
  • By car: The Museum of Fine Arts is 22.1 km from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport
    Nearest parking: Paid underground parking available at the museum complex

Card Description:

  • Restrooms
  • Café
  • Audio guides for a fee of €3.17 (HUF 1200)
  • Wheelchair access
  • Cloakroom and cabinets for storing luggage
  • Baby buggy
  • Book tickets in advance: Booking tickets online in advance guarantees your entry into the museum, especially during temporary exhibitions that interest you. 
  • Consider a guided tour: A guided tour will give you an in-depth understanding of the evolution of art in Hungary and Europe through the ages, ensuring that you have a comprehensive visit. 
  • Get a Budapest city card: This card is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours and allows you free or discounted entry to many of Budapest’s museums and other monuments, including the Museum of Fine Arts. It also allows you to use a variety of public transport for free for the duration of its validity. 
  • Museum library: The museum’s library is strictly a reference library and does not lend out books. Visitors can register for free with a valid ID card if they want to access any material, which they can read only at the library. 
  • Rules for children: Children under the age of 2 years are allowed only in strollers or front-facing baby carriers. Children under 14 years old must always be under adult supervision. 
  • Cloakroom for luggage storage: Backpacks, umbrellas, and heavy luggage have to be stored in the cloakrooms. Cabinets can be used for a non-refundable amount of €1 or 100 HUF.
  • Museum Cafeteria: The Museum of Fine Arts cafeteria is the museum's self-service eatery at the basement level that serves delicious Hungarian fare.
  • Gundel Cafe Patisserie Restaurant: An old and popular restaurant located near the Museum, the Gundel Cafe Patisserie Restaurant serves excellent European and Hungarian cuisine with vegetarian and vegan options and has good service.
  • Pater Bonifac: Located quite near the Museum of Fine Arts, the Pater Bonifac restaurant serves good Hungarian and European cuisine and has good service. 
  • Spoon: Enjoy an unparalleled dining experience with excellent fusion food at Spoon, a boat restaurant that provides amazing views across the Danube River from its deck.
  • Buda Castle: The 13th-century residence of the Hungarian Royal family Buda Castle, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is now home to the National Gallery, which showcases the works of Hungarian artists of all genres. 
  • Hosok Tere: The historic Hosok Tere or Heroes' Square near the Museum of Fine Arts is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is an iconic symbol of Budapest. It also features the Millennium Monument, showcasing statues of Hungarian leaders. 
  • State Opera House: The Hungarian State Opera House is an architectural marvel that is decorated with striking sculptures of famous composers and musicians. You can either take a comprehensive guided tour of the Opera House or purchase a ticket to watch operas or ballets. 
  • Hungarian Parliament: Located at the heart of the historical Castle District, the Hungarian Parliament building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a guided tour of this lavishly decorated Gothic-style building with its grand halls and see the famous Hungarian Crown Jewels.

Frequently Asked Questions about Museum of Fine Arts tickets

How do I book Museum of Fine Arts tickets?

You can book Museum of Fine Arts tickets online. Purchasing your tickets online will guarantee your entry into the museum.

Why should I book Museum of Fine Arts tickets online?

Booking Museum of Fine Arts tickets online ensures guaranteed access to the museum. You can also find additional information online on the museum’s temporary exhibits, allowing you to plan your visit according to your interests.

What do Museum of Fine Arts tickets include?

A typical Museum of Fine Arts ticket includes access to all the exhibitions and entry to the Museum café.

Are discounts available on Museum of Fine Arts tickets?

Yes, you can avail of discounts on Museum of Fine Arts tickets. EU citizens older than 70 years and younger than 6 years can enter for free when they present a valid ID at the time of entry. EU citizens between 6 to 26 years and those aged between 62 to 70 years can avail of a 50% discount. There is also a 10% discount available if you have a Budapest Card.

Can I get skip-the-line tickets for the Museum of Fine Arts?

Yes, you can book skip-the-line tickets for Museum of Fine Arts online.

Is photography allowed in the museum?

Yes, visitors are allowed to take photos and videos strictly for personal use in the museum. Flash photography and selfie sticks are not permitted.

What is the cancellation policy for Museum of Fine Arts tickets?

The cancellation policy on Museum of Fine Arts tickets depends on the type of experience you purchase. Please check the specific terms before making your reservation. Some tickets may offer a full refund upon cancellation up to 48-72 hours in advance.

What are the Museum of Fine Arts opening hours?

The museum is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 AM to 6 PM. It is closed on Mondays.

How long does it take to complete a Museum of Fine Arts tour?

The Museum of Fine Arts has quite a large collection of artworks. It will take approximately 2-3 hours to complete the tour.